Oilers' playoff success could turn on veteran's performance in 2025-26
Photo credit: USA Today Sports
Darnell Nurse is about to enter the 12th-year year in the NHL with the 2nd-most games played in an Oilers' sweater; and though his place in Edmonton's lineup is not questioned, the value he brings to his team is.
Should Nurse manage to complete the full-campaign of 82-games, he would finish the the season 6th-overall in games played in Oilers' history. There is no denying he's been an important player for Edmonton.
Over his 11 seasons, he's appeared in 716 games, scoring 81G, 219A, and 621 PIM, while playing an average of 22:41 TOI.
In fact, Darnell's greatest value to the club is his defensive play, ability to shut-down opponents, and to play big minutes. In 2024-25, Nurse skated an average of 22:22 TOI per game, while in the playoffs it was 21:36.
However, given Nurse's $9.25M cap hit, is eating up big minutes and playing the shut-down role enough to justify 11.2% of the team's total salary cap? Should more offense be expected from the Oilers' 2nd-pairing left-side defenseman?
During the regular season last year, Nurse scored 5G and 33 points in 76 games; in the playoffs the same year, he scored 3G and 8 points in 22 games. His production to salary ratio is well below what is expected of the 30-year old, by far.
Darnell's 8-year, no-movement-clause deal expires July 1, 2030, when he'll be 35-years old. It's clear the Oilers have a huge dilemma with Darnell Nurse.
Yet, despite his lack of production and contract-criticism, Darnell can solve the issue by having a career-year, both in the upcoming regular season and playoffs. Winning has a was of forgiving past mistakes.
If Darnell Nurse can manage to become a major factor in an Oilers' deep post-season run, his value, and his future with the club will look a lot less volatile.
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