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
On the first day of the NHL Draft, July 1, the San Jose Sharks pulled off a trade by adding Darnell Nurse from the Edmonton Oilers. While this move did not sit well with the fans, NHL insider Elliotte Friedman further enhanced the frustration.
Nurse was traded for Shakir Mukhamadullin and the rights to Zachary Sharp. Days later, on the July 6 episode of the 32 Thoughts podcast, Friedman noted that the Sharks had other options to choose from yet went with Nurse.
“Look, it's interesting. [the Sharks] could have had [Morgan] Rielly, they got [Darnell] Nurse,” he said.
Rielly experienced one of the more challenging seasons of his career, recording 11 goals and 25 assists in 78 games while finishing with a career-worst minus-18 rating. He carried a contract for four more years at a $7.5 million cap hit per season. But the Sharks did not show any interest.
Mar 8, 2026; Las Vegas, Nevada, USA; Edmonton Oilers defenseman Darnell Nurse (25) warms up before a game against the Vegas Golden Knights at T-Mobile Arena. Mandatory Credit: Stephen R. Sylvanie-Imagn Images
Mar 8, 2026; Las Vegas, Nevada, USA; Edmonton Oilers defenseman Darnell Nurse (25) warms up before a game against the Vegas Golden Knights at T-Mobile Arena. Mandatory Credit: Stephen R. Sylvanie-Imagn Images
“I heard they really preferred Nurse. I heard that was a preference. They had a choice, and they took Nurse over Rielly,” the analyst added in the same interview.
The Sharks entered the offseason with significant cap space (over $40 million for 2026-27) to add a veteran like Rielly, who brings in leadership and offensive production. However, the excitement of adding Nurse was captured in Mike Grier’s speech after the trade.
“Darnell is a strong, veteran, mobile defenseman who eats up top-pair minutes against some of the best talents in the NHL, and brings a physical element every shift,” said general manager as quoted by NHL.com. “We’re excited to have a player like him join our organization.”
While the Sharks made their decision, pressure is brewing for Nurse in San Jose.
What Darnell Nurse carries to San Jose
Nurse’s $9.25 million cap hit leads the team until Macklin Celebrini's expected extension takes effect. A contract of that size also comes with greater expectations.
He has a no-move clause in his contract, and reports suggested he was not initially interested in a move to Team Teal.
“I went through a deep dive of what I thought was best,” said Nurse during his media availability as posted by the Sharks’ YouTube channel on July 2. “It’s crazy because every time I brought up San Jose, even when they weren’t on my small list, everyone’s like, “You’d be crazy not to go there.” I’m really happy that it shook out this way.”
Even though it's for the first time Nurse is playing for the Sharks, he is already acquainted with some of the players. At the 2026 IIHF World Hockey Championship, the Sharks defenseman played for Team Canada alongside Sam Dickinson and Celebrini.
Celebrini captained the team, and Nurse spoke highly of his leadership in the locker room.
Nurse enters the season with 798 NHL games and 100 playoff appearances on his résumé, bringing a wealth of experience to the team.
Will he be able to prove that San Jose made the right move by selecting him? Let us know in the comments.
Read more at NHL Fan Central.
Written by
Soheli Tarafdar
Edited by
Soheli Tarafdar