Insider updates Darnell Nurse's future after reports of 'noise' getting to him
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Oilers defenceman Darnell Nurse has been one of the players struggling the most during this slow start, but insiders don't believe he's going anywhere.
As Connor McDavid took a shocking discount to re-sign in Edmonton, the Oilers have been tasked with aggressively pursuing the best roster construction. That always leads to questions about Nurse's $9.25M contract, but despite that and his play, he'll be staying around.
NHL insider reports Darnell Nurse will not waive his no-move clause
According to a new update from insider David Pagnotta, it's unlikely Nurse would be moved off the Oilers. His No-Trade-Clause is certainly a factor, but also is the fact that he's a close friend of McDavid's.
This report comes after Elliotte Friedman speculated that the 'noise' of fan and media criticism has begun to really affect Nurse.
STAUFFER: Nurse for me is not the same player he was. He was an emotive player. He was a guy that would grab somebody once in a while.
FRIEDMAN: I have to tell you, Bob, I have wondered if all of the noise has finally gotten to him. I've wondered that. I have.
STAUFFER: Yeah.
FRIEDMAN: I have to tell you, Bob, I have wondered if all of the noise has finally gotten to him. I've wondered that. I have.
STAUFFER: Yeah.
There were even reports in the offseason that the Oilers had asked Nurse to waive his trade protection. That would suggest the Oilers also see ways they could better spend his salary.
However, Nurse only has this year and next with full trade protection. Beginning in the 2027-28 season, he will have a 10-team NTC, and the Oilers may be able to find a team to take him on.
For the next two seasons, all Oilers fans want to see is sustained improved play from Nurse.
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