A new nickname seems to have emerged for Oilers defenseman Darnell Nurse. During a recent recording of the Oilernation After Dark podcast, both Aaron Bordato and Liam Horrobin explained their position and thoughts, suggesting that Nurse has now become Mr. Consistency with the Oilers.
This season marks the second year of Nurse's contract extension, which he signed on August 6th, 2021. The eight-year, $74 million extension has faced extensive criticism from the fan base and some NHL pundits who argue that it was an overpayment given his on-ice performance.
Given his physical style of play and overall statistics with the Oilers, Nurse has played 581 games, scored 70 goals, provided 174 assists, and accumulated 244 points. He boasts a +67 rating and has accrued 488 penalty minutes.
Over the past three seasons, he achieved his highest point total at 43 points in 2022 and maintained a +25 rating in two of the last three seasons. His current average ice time is 22 minutes and 40 seconds.
As the Oilers continue to address their issues from earlier in this season, the team's success will hinge on Nurse's performance. They will rely on him to prove the skeptics wrong and further solidify his new nickname, Mr. Consistency.
