Oilers’ McDavid calls Nurse departure ‘extremely disappointing’
The Edmonton Oilers are going to look a little different come next fall, especially on the blue line after Darnell Nurse was traded to the San Jose Sharks earlier this month.
When speaking to the media at the Zach Hyman Golf Classic on Monday, Oilers captain Connor McDavid was asked about the departure of Nurse. McDavid admitted that he’s bummed by the end result, but understands it’s all part of the game.
“It’s obviously disappointing to lose someone like Darnell and the rest of the guys,” McDavid said. “But it’s part of the business, unfortunately. It’s been hard to really put into words what Nursery’s been to not only me, but the whole group and everybody in Edmonton. So extremely disappointed to see that happen.”
McDavid and Nurse have been on the same team for as long as the former has been in the league. Nurse made his NHL debut during the 2014-15 season, with No. 97 joining the club the following year. The two have seen the Oilers go from doormat to one of the best teams in the league, helping the team advance to the Stanley Cup Final in 2024 and 2025, before shockingly being eliminated by the Anaheim Ducks in the first round this past spring.
Nurse had requested to be traded from Edmonton earlier in the offseason, despite the fact that he remained one of the Oilers’ top blueliners. However, he was constantly criticized by the fanbase for his lack of consistency, especially given the fact that he had a big-dollar contract – an eight-year deal with a cap hit of $9.25 million that carries through the 2029-30 season. The contract carried a full no-move clause, which allowed Nurse to hand-pick his potential suitors. A rising team in San Jose seemed to be a viable option for the 31-year-old.
In exchange, the Oilers received defensemen Shakir Mukhamadullin and Zack Sharp.
Despite losing Nurse, McDavid seems to be optimistic about the team’s chances heading into 2026-27. With Stanley Cup champion Mike Babcock joining the team as head coach, and players like forward Mathieu Joseph and Frederik Andersen coming into the fold, the Richmond Hill, Ont. native says there’s a reason to be enthralled about the Oilers.
“At the same time, really excited about some of the additions. New coach, some good players. It’s an exciting time in Edmonton.”