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The Edmonton Oilers face major questions this NHL offseason after a disappointing first-round playoff exit, but one NHL insider believes trading Darnell Nurse simply to clear frustration would create even bigger problems.
Speaking on The Jason Gregor Show, Edmonton analyst Jason Gregor pushed back against growing calls to move Nurse following another difficult postseason.
“I’m not trading Darnell Nurse just for the sake of trading,” Gregor said. “I’m not just giving him away because then you’re gonna be searching for a minute-eating defenseman, and there’s not a lot that you can just replace him with for free.”
MORE: Connor McDavid sends clear message on Oilers future amid rumors
The comments come after Edmonton’s season ended in six games against the Anaheim Ducks. The Oilers allowed goals in bunches throughout the series and finished the playoffs with the worst goals-against numbers among postseason teams.
Nurse became a major target for criticism after recording no points in the series while struggling defensively at even strength.
Edmonton Oilers defenseman Darnell Nurse (25) looks up. Mandatory Credit: David Gonzales-Imagn Images
There is no denying Nurse’s $74 million contract remains difficult to justify against his recent production. The veteran defenseman carries a $9.25 million cap hit through 2030 and finished the regular season with only 24 points and a minus-12 rating.
Still, Edmonton’s defensive issues extend well beyond one player.
MORE: Former NHL goalie Devan Dubnyk flags major issue in Oilers’ goaltending setup
The Oilers ranked 25th in goals against (3.23) during the regular season and never established defensive consistency despite elite offensive production from Connor McDavid (138 points) and Leon Draisaitl (97 points). Their penalty kill also collapsed in the playoffs, operating at just 50% against Anaheim.
Nurse remains one of the few defenders on the roster capable of handling heavy minutes against top competition. Even during a down year, he averaged nearly 19 minutes at five-on-five and continued facing difficult matchup assignments nightly.
That workload matters. Top-four defensemen with size, skating ability, and durability are difficult to replace, especially for teams operating near the salary cap.
Gregor’s larger point reflects a reality many playoff disappointments expose. Teams often mistake visibility for responsibility. Nurse’s contract makes him the easiest target, but removing him without securing a legitimate replacement could weaken Edmonton further.
“So if you’re gonna trade Nurse, it’s gotta be for a player that’s gonna play 19-plus minutes, right?” Gregor said. “Different player, fine, but that’s what it has to be. You can’t just give him away, then you’re searching.”
That is the key distinction.
The Oilers still possess enough star power to remain contenders, but their roster construction requires balance. Jake Walman’s health remains uncertain, the defensive depth lacks stability, and the organization still needs more reliable penalty killing.
MORE: NHL analyst warns Connor McDavid could leave Oilers to chase Stanley Cup
Edmonton’s offseason should focus on improving structure and defensive support around its core, not making reactionary moves after one disappointing playoff run.
Continue reading...
Speaking on The Jason Gregor Show, Edmonton analyst Jason Gregor pushed back against growing calls to move Nurse following another difficult postseason.
“I’m not trading Darnell Nurse just for the sake of trading,” Gregor said. “I’m not just giving him away because then you’re gonna be searching for a minute-eating defenseman, and there’s not a lot that you can just replace him with for free.”
MORE: Connor McDavid sends clear message on Oilers future amid rumors
The comments come after Edmonton’s season ended in six games against the Anaheim Ducks. The Oilers allowed goals in bunches throughout the series and finished the playoffs with the worst goals-against numbers among postseason teams.
Nurse became a major target for criticism after recording no points in the series while struggling defensively at even strength.
Oilers’ problem runs deeper than one contract
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Edmonton Oilers defenseman Darnell Nurse (25) looks up. Mandatory Credit: David Gonzales-Imagn Images
There is no denying Nurse’s $74 million contract remains difficult to justify against his recent production. The veteran defenseman carries a $9.25 million cap hit through 2030 and finished the regular season with only 24 points and a minus-12 rating.
Still, Edmonton’s defensive issues extend well beyond one player.
MORE: Former NHL goalie Devan Dubnyk flags major issue in Oilers’ goaltending setup
The Oilers ranked 25th in goals against (3.23) during the regular season and never established defensive consistency despite elite offensive production from Connor McDavid (138 points) and Leon Draisaitl (97 points). Their penalty kill also collapsed in the playoffs, operating at just 50% against Anaheim.
Nurse remains one of the few defenders on the roster capable of handling heavy minutes against top competition. Even during a down year, he averaged nearly 19 minutes at five-on-five and continued facing difficult matchup assignments nightly.
That workload matters. Top-four defensemen with size, skating ability, and durability are difficult to replace, especially for teams operating near the salary cap.
Oilers must avoid emotional roster decisions
Gregor’s larger point reflects a reality many playoff disappointments expose. Teams often mistake visibility for responsibility. Nurse’s contract makes him the easiest target, but removing him without securing a legitimate replacement could weaken Edmonton further.
“So if you’re gonna trade Nurse, it’s gotta be for a player that’s gonna play 19-plus minutes, right?” Gregor said. “Different player, fine, but that’s what it has to be. You can’t just give him away, then you’re searching.”
That is the key distinction.
The Oilers still possess enough star power to remain contenders, but their roster construction requires balance. Jake Walman’s health remains uncertain, the defensive depth lacks stability, and the organization still needs more reliable penalty killing.
MORE: NHL analyst warns Connor McDavid could leave Oilers to chase Stanley Cup
Edmonton’s offseason should focus on improving structure and defensive support around its core, not making reactionary moves after one disappointing playoff run.
Continue reading...
