yardbarker
During the recent offseason, the Edmonton Oilers parted ways with defenseman Darnell Nurse, who had four years remaining on his contract at an average annual value of $9.25 million. This move prompts a retrospective examination of the circumstances that led to that hefty deal and the alternative paths that could have been taken.
The front office's approach to managing Nurse played a pivotal role in his eventual departure. Initially, former general manager Peter Chiarelli signed Nurse to a bridge contract, a strategy that Ken Holland continued when he assumed the role in 2020. Had there been greater consistency in leadership, Nurse might have secured a long-term extension much earlier.
In 2018, Nurse inked a two-year deal worth $3.2 million annually. When that expired, management again opted for a bridge agreement—this time a two-year pact at $5.6 million per season. While bridge deals can occasionally work, teams often benefit more from locking up young, developing players to long-term deals before they reach their full potential.
Nurse's breakout came during the shortened 2020-21 campaign, where he tallied 36 points in 56 games, including 16 goals. That goal total remains a career high, driven by an unsustainable shooting percentage of 10.4%—far above his usual mark of around 5.9%. Despite the red flags, Ken Holland signed Nurse to an eight-year extension on August 6, 2021, worth $9.25 million annually. Rumors of a shorter, four-year deal circulated, but the two sides ultimately agreed on maximum term, keeping Nurse in Edmonton through the 2029-30 season.
At age 26, Nurse was at an ideal age for a long-term commitment, but the contract assumed he could replicate an anomalous offensive season, which he never did. The market also played a role: comparable defensemen like Dougie Hamilton, Zach Werenski, Cale Makar, and Seth Jones had recently signed deals of at least six years and $9 million per season. Notably, current Oilers GM Stan Bowman had traded for and signed Jones to an eight-year, $9.5 million AAV contract just nine days earlier, effectively setting the bar for Nurse's negotiations.
Compounding the situation was the health of Oscar Klefbom, the Oilers' top left-shot defenseman, who was battling chronic shoulder issues. Klefbom's team-friendly $4.167 million contract was valuable, but his uncertain availability created urgency for Edmonton to secure a replacement. Klefbom never played another NHL game and retired in 2024, which only heightened the expectations attached to Nurse's salary.
Given these factors, Holland's decision to commit to Nurse at that price was understandable. While the shooting percentage raised concerns, it was hard to argue his value was significantly below comparable contracts at the time. With Klefbom's situation adding pressure, the Oilers needed a long-term, left-shot number-one defenseman, and Nurse fit that role.
What If the Oilers Had Waited?
Had the Oilers delayed an extension and let Nurse play out the second year of his bridge deal, the outcome might have been different. In 2021-22, Nurse appeared in 71 games, recording 35 points and nine goals, with his shooting percentage dropping to a more normal 4.4%. After such a season, Nurse would still have held solid value, but it would have been significantly less than the $9.25 million he received. It's plausible he would have signed for $5.5 to $6.5 million annually, saving the Oilers substantial cap space.
If Klefbom had avoided his shoulder injury and remained active, he would have continued to anchor the top pairing and power play. Nurse would have seen reduced minutes in a second-pair role, which better suited his skill set. With less responsibility, it would have been harder for Nurse to justify a salary far exceeding Klefbom's $4.167 million. A more modest deal for Nurse at around $6 million would have granted the Oilers greater financial flexibility, potentially making a difference in their 2024 and 2025 Stanley Cup runs.
In the end, Nurse was a dedicated Oiler—a 12-season mainstay who provided stability, ice time, and commitment. In an alternate scenario with a smaller cap hit and fewer expectations, he might have remained in Edmonton, entering his 13th season as a respected veteran rather than a lightning rod for criticism. A more reasonable contract would have quieted detractors and allowed fans to appreciate his contributions. But that's not how it unfolded, and Nurse now begins a new chapter in San Jose, leaving behind a contract that defined an era and a legacy that will continue to spark debate in Edmonton.
Originally reported by yardbarker.