A Shocker Prospective Trade for the Edmonton Oilers
When the Edmonton Oilers extended defenceman Darnell Nurse's contract in August of last year, they were doing so with the expectation that his play would continue to excel.
Well over 33 games this season he has five goals, 13 assists to show thus far. Could that be worth $9.25 million contract? Plus over the next three years, his average salary is a whopping $11.47 million before it starts decreasing in 2026-27.
Unfortunately teams have had to top load contracts to entice players to sign. He does have a no-movement clause in his deal through the 2026-27 season. Then, the following year he has a no-trade clause where he can submit a 10-team trade list.
It makes it difficult if not impossible to manage a salary cap with two forwards by the name of Connor McDavid ($12.5M) and Leon Draisaitl ($8.5M) without adding salt to the wound by paying Nurse $9.25M.
Now if Nurse was playing lights out, that would be a different story. So, trading him would be a blockbuster trade for certain.
The Bleacher Report had an article stating Nurse for Josh Anderson of the Canadiens, plus other assets to entice the Habs to take the deal. Anderson's salary cap hit is $5.5M through the 2026-27 season.
So, how does this help both teams... or more specifically, the Oilers? Well, if the Oilers were able to add Anderson, they add a huge forward who stands 6'-3", 227 pounds. And, with Evander Kane missing, that extra size will make the Oilers front line much stronger.
Then, here's the kicker. By dumping Nurse's huge contract, they would have about $4 million remaining to attempt to add Jakob Chychrun whom they covet.
It's true that Nurse puts in lots of ice-time with just over 24 minutes a game, but so does Chychrun. Add in the fact that Chychrun is three years younger than Nurse and the benefits start to kick in.
Of course, the Oilers would need to give the Arizona Coyotes what they want to give up Chychrun. They have the first round picks, and they have prospects like one Matvei Petrov playing in the OHL. He was a 6th round draft pick in 2021 by the Oilers.
He is a deadly scorer with 51 goals, 78 assists in 94 games. He is just 19 years old, and would certainly fit into the Arizona club's future plans.
So in conclusion, not only can the Oilers resolve an expensive long-term contract dilemma, they can pick up some grit on the forward line and add a younger defenceman with a shorter, more reasonable cap hit.
Sounds like a no-brainer.
| POLL | ||
Should the Oilers trade Darnell Nurse? | ||
| Yes, his production is not worth his contract | 590 | 65.6 % |
| No, he is our prime #1 defenceman | 114 | 12.7 % |
| Not sure yet | 95 | 10.6 % |
| Getting Chychrun would be huge! | 100 | 11.1 % |
| List of polls | ||
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