Apr 8, 2026; San Jose, California, USA; Edmonton Oilers defenseman Darnell Nurse (25) looks up at the scoreboard during a break in the action against the San Jose Sharks during the second period at SAP Center at San Jose. Mandatory Credit: David Gonzales-Imagn Images
Apr 8, 2026; San Jose, California, USA; Edmonton Oilers defenseman Darnell Nurse (25) looks up at the scoreboard during a break in the action against the San Jose Sharks during the second period at SAP Center at San Jose. Mandatory Credit: David Gonzales-Imagn Images
Darnell Nurse's future in Edmonton has become one of the NHL offseason's most talked-about topics. The veteran defenseman formally requested a trade from the Oilers, and the Pittsburgh Penguins were quick to show interest.
Insider David Pagnotta of The Fourth Period reported that Nurse gave Edmonton a list of three to five teams. The list includes teams like the Penguins and the Los Angeles Kings, among others.
"I know that Pittsburgh and Edmonton have gone back and forth already on some things, or at least talked about it. I think there's a pathway," Pagnotta said.
His connection to Pittsburgh is through GM Kyle Dubas, who previously managed Nurse with the Sault Ste. Marie Greyhounds. Dubas has expressed how upgrading the defense would be a priority moving into next season.
The Penguins have around $38 million in cap space to work with. He is currently on an eight-year, $74 million contract extension, which he signed in 2021, and carries a cap hit of $9.25 million until 2029-30.
Nurse's no-movement clause goes on until the end of the 2026-27 season. Once this clause expires, it gives Edmonton more leverage on where he would land.
By requesting a trade now, Nurse actually has control over what he wants to do. That means Edmonton can only look out for teams that Nurse has approved.
Other Teams Linked to the Darnell Nurse Trade Situation
Pittsburgh is not the only team that is involved in this situation. Elliotte Friedman has reported on the 32 Thoughts podcast that Nurse's preference leans more toward the Eastern Conference and away from Canadian teams.
He added that if there’s a Western Conference team, the Los Angeles Kings would be the most likely to be the better option here.
This could be because of Nurse's familiarity with the Kings' general manager, Ken Holland, who signed Nurse to his current deal when he was with the Oilers.
Friedman also said the Philadelphia Flyers are one of the interested teams with enough cap flexibility to manage Nurse's $9.25 million cap hit.
The Oilers would most likely have to retain a portion of Nurse's salary to move him. Any deal would require careful negotiation between Edmonton, Pittsburgh, and Darnell Nurse.
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Written by
Aadhya Nalla
Edited by
Sagnik Bagchi