Edmonton Oilers Issue First Update On Darnell Nurse After Disgusting Hit by Ryan Reaves

PUBLICATION

Ryan Hall
November 16, 2024 (9:29 PM)

SHARE THIS STORY

Moments ago, it was revealed by 32 Thoughts podcaster and Sportsnet hockey insider Elliotte Friedman that Oilers defenseman Darnell Nurse appears to be okay after receiving a disgusting hit by Toronto Maple Leafs forward Ryan Reaves.

He mentions that Nurse was joking with his trainers and walking around after leaving the ice in a bloody mess as he sustained a direct hit to the head by Reaves in the second. Any surprising but proper gesture, Friedman mentioned that Reaves walked towards the Edmonton dressing room to give a face-to-face apology during the third period.

The hit looked gruesome as Nurse appeared to struggle to get up and off the ice as the trainers rushed towards him. Many Oilers players were distraught and extremely upset with the hit as they waited for their teammate to arrive at their bench.

Reaves received a 5-minute major and was ejected from the game which will likely mean he could face supplementary disciplinary action by the NHL and could either face a fine or a suspension and given his history and the severity of the hit, it's likely a suspension is in the cards.

Many hope that Nurse will have a quick recovery after this incident as the Oilers continue to struggle with depth in their lineup especially in their defense core. There is a likelihood that he has sustained a concussion as he was pulled from the ice for the rest of the night as a precaution as symptoms usually manifest later well after the game is over.

Ironically, just a few weeks ago Nurse was nominated to be on a committee by the NHLPA to look into concussions for players and how to handle them after their careers are over as they deal with potential of CTE.

Through 18 games, he has scored two goals with 7 assists for 9 points and is a + 2 and he has received 20 minutes and 49 seconds of average ice time. The Oilers will continue their eastern Canada road trip as they will face off against the Montreal Canadiens at the bell centre on Monday November 18th. Game time will be at 7:30 PM eastern.