Oilers urged to avoid panic move involving $74M D-man after early playoff exit

The Edmonton O i lers face major questions this NHL offseason after a disappointing first-round playoff exit, but one NHL insider believes trading Darnell Nurse simply to clear frustration would create even bigger problems. Speaking on The Jason Gregor Show, Edmonton analyst Jason Gregor pushed back against growing calls to move Nurse following another difficult postseason. “I’m not trading Darnell Nurse just for the sake of trading,” Gregor said.

“I’m not just giving him away because then you’re gonna be searching for a minute-eating defenseman, and there’s not a lot that you can just replace him with for free. ” MORE: Connor McDavid sends clear message on Oilers future amid rumors The comments come after Edmonton’s season ended in six games against the Anaheim Ducks . The Oilers allowed goals in bunches throughout the series and finished the playoffs with the worst goals-against numbers among postseason teams.

Nurse became a major target for criticism after recording no points in the series while struggling defensively at even strength. Oilers’ problem runs deeper than one contract Edmonton Oilers defenseman Darnell Nurse (25) looks up. Mandatory Credit: David Gonzales-Imagn Images There is no denying Nurse’s $74 million contract remains difficult to justify against his recent production.

The veteran defenseman carries a $9. 25 million cap hit through 2030 and finished the regular season with only 24 points and a minus-12 rating. Still, Edmonton’s defensive issues extend well beyond one player.