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
With Kris Knoblauch being replaced by head coach Mike Babcock, the Edmonton Oilers can't seem to catch a break. One of their longest-serving defenders has requested a trade. According to the reports, Darnell Nurse, the Edmonton Oilers' alternate captain, wants to change teams.
Nurse feels it is time for a fresh start, per Sportsnet's Elliotte Friedman and Mark Spector. The Oilers reportedly also want him off their roster before the next regular season commences, as his trade is imminent.
Nurse's departure marks the end of an era for Edmonton's core. Nurse has played for the Oilers since 2014, a year after playing for the Oilers' American Hockey League (AHL) affiliate, the Oklahoma City Barons.
Nurse has a full no-trade clause in his contract, which is valid till next summer. Reportedly, he submitted a list of teams he would be willing to accept a trade to.
The Ontario, Canada native went on to sign an eight-year contract worth $74-million with the Oilers back in August 2021. It carries a $9.25 million cap hit annually, with four years still left on the deal.
The Oilers face a puzzle: few teams can absorb $9.25M without gutting their own rosters
Nurse holds a record of 88 goals and 324 points across 798 career NHL games, all made with Edmonton. He also has appeared in 100 career playoff games and was part of the Oilers teams that reached back-to-back Stanley Cup Finals in 2024 and 2025.
The Oilers ended up losing to the Anaheim Ducks in the first round of the 2026 playoffs. Nurse did not record one point across six games.
Moving his contract would free up about $9.25 million in cap space funds that Edmonton could use in other parts of the roster adjustment. The fans did not take kindly to the news of Nurse requesting a trade.
Fans React to Darnell Nurse Trade Request Reports
The news of the trade request spread quickly, with people discussing Nurse’s contract and other trade speculation.
"Good luck with the worst f****** contract in the NHL," wrote one fan.
Another one noted that previously, there have been trade discussions around Nurse.
"They've been trying to move you for years, bro 😭."
"The Edmonton Oilers have requested a trade from Darnell Nurse, " one fan wrote, claiming that it was the Oilers who, in fact, wanted Nurse gone.
Another fan was more direct about their opinions: "No team is trading for him."
One user online added, "Brother, they've been trying to trade you for years but don't wanna give up the picks to do it lmao."
Nurse's $9.25 million annual cap hit has faced significant criticism from fans and analysts. But talks that the Oilers had already been interested in moving Nurse are enough to indicate a mutual decision to part ways.
Do you think the Oilers will be able to find a suitable place for Darnell Nurse to get traded to? Let us know in the comments.
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Written by
Aadhya Nalla
Edited by
Surjo Ray