Top-Oilers' career with Edmonton could be coming to an end

There have been conflicting reports of late concerning the long-time Oiler, with some suggesting that he's reached the limit of his usefulness to the team, and others claiming he just may be the difference maker in next year's playoffs.

Though many of the reports are based largely on speculation, his actual statistics are based in fact, and show a disturbing trend.

In 2024-25, Darnell scored 5G and 28A in 76 games played, for 33 points. In 2023-24, over 81 games, he scored 10G and 32 points, following a year in which he'd recorded 43 points, the highest point total of his career. All not nearly good enough.

All considered, his production is sub-par for a player whose annual cap hit is $9.25M, on an 8-year deal that he signed with the Oilers, which takes him to the age of 35.

In comparison, defenseman Cale Makar's cap hit is $9M, on a 6-year deal he signed with Colorado. In 2024-25, he scored 30G and 62A, and recorded 90 points in 2023-24.

Another top defenseman whose salary is even less than Nurse's, is Vancouver's Quinn Hughes - $7.85M on a 6-year deal. In 2024-25, he recorded 16G and 60A in 68 games played.

Over his career, Darnell nurse has scored at a rate of .41 PPG over 716 games; Quinn Hughes .95 PPG over 433 games; and Cale Makar .90 PPG over 395 games played, both more than double Nurse's.

The comparison clearly shows Darnell Nurse cannot compete with some of the league's top-defenseman, which he was once considered, but failed to reach his potential.

Darnell's future with the Oilers clearly hinges on how he performs in the upcoming campaign. If he should continue to trend downwards, then Edmonton will have a dilemma on its hands.