Nurse trade market expands
Oilers' Darnell Nurse Trade Options Expand as Bruins, Ducks Show Interest
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The trade market for Edmonton Oilers defenceman Darnell Nurse shifted dramatically on draft night after the Philadelphia Flyers turned their attention toward Columbus Blue Jackets star Zach Werenski, according to Edmonton Journal. Nurse, 31, had formally requested a trade after more than a decade in Edmonton, with Philadelphia previously considered the frontrunner to land him.
With the Flyers now chasing Werenski — a reigning Norris Trophy winner at $9.583 million AAV — the Boston Bruins and Anaheim Ducks have emerged as serious contenders for Nurse's services. Nurse has also added Boston to his approved trade list, per The Hockey News, opening a new lane in what has become a fast-moving situation.
Flyers Pivot to Werenski, Opening Door for Boston
Philadelphia GM Danny Brière said on draft night, "We're exploring... but we're not gonna make a move just to make a move." That measured tone came as Flyers insiders confirmed the team entered the sweepstakes for Werenski, who will not re-sign in Columbus, according to Ottawa Sun. Elliotte Friedman noted the Nurse talks have "gone a little quiet" on the Philly front as the Flyers weigh a Norris-level star against a physical veteran.
Nurse's preference for Philadelphia has deep personal roots. His uncle is former Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Donovan McNabb, per Northern News. That family tie made Philly his top choice — but the Werenski development may ultimately force his hand toward a different destination.
Bruins Offer Mason Lohrei as Key Trade Chip
Boston GM Don Sweeney is looking for a left-shot defensive partner for star blue-liner Charlie McAvoy. Nurse fits that profile exactly. The Bruins are reportedly dangling Mason Lohrei — a 25-year-old offensive defenceman with a $3.25 million cap hit — as part of a package, according to Edmonton Journal.
For Edmonton, a Nurse-for-Lohrei swap would free up roughly $6 million in cap space heading into July 1 free agency. Oilers GM Stan Bowman is not looking to simply dump Nurse, though. Insiders say Edmonton wants a top-six forward — likely worth around $7 million — to replace departing UFA Jack Roslovic as part of any deal, per Ottawa Sun.
Anaheim Scrambles on Defence After Zellweger Trade
The Anaheim Ducks added urgency to the Nurse sweepstakes after trading top defensive prospect Olen Zellweger to the Buffalo Sabres on June 26. Buffalo sent forward Anton Wahlberg and the 45th overall pick in return, per Ottawa Citizen. The move left Anaheim with only three defencemen under contract — a gaping hole on the right side.
Nurse is a left-shot defenceman, so he does not directly fill Anaheim's right-side need. The Ducks may also be more focused on acquiring forwards like Jack Roslovic or Frank Vatrano ($4.57 million AAV, two years remaining) as part of any package, according to Edmonton Journal. Anaheim's interest is real, but the fit is complicated.
Nurse's Contract Makes or Breaks Every Deal
Nurse carries a $9.25 million cap hit through 2029-30 — a number that gives every potential trade partner pause. He played all 82 games last season, posting 24 points, 20:58 of ice time per game, and 137 hits. Critics call the deal an "albatross," but supporters point to his durability and physical presence as real value for contenders, per Ottawa Sun.
He also holds a full no-movement clause, meaning he controls where he goes. If Philadelphia lands Werenski, Nurse's market shrinks and Edmonton's leverage drops. That could force Bowman to accept a smaller return — possibly just Lohrei and futures — rather than the forward-plus-defence package he is targeting, according to Edmonton Journal.
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