Oilers still have leverage in NHL's chaos, but Nurse move unlikely soon
With star players pushing for trades, the salary cap is expanding — but moving Darnell Nurse remains a long-term play.
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The NHL is in the midst of unprecedented player power, with star athletes flexing their muscles and pushing for trades across the league. The salary cap has jumped $20 million over three years — from $83.5 million to $104 million — but star players, many of them American, are demanding out of their current cities or seeking more money than teams want to pay.
Quinn Hughes forced his way out of Vancouver. Brady Tkachuk out of Ottawa. Dylan Larkin now wants out of Detroit, Connor Hellebucyk out of Winnipeg. Jason Robertson has turned down trades and big money offers from Seattle and St. Louis because he doesn't want to play there.
For Edmonton, the challenge is moving defenceman Darnell Nurse, who has asked for a trade and provided the team with a list of three preferred destinations. Nurse makes $9.25 million per year — a hefty price tag for a player who is good but not great. According to NHL insider Frank Seravalli, teams are interested in Nurse, but he's not their top option and no deal is imminent.
The Oilers, however, still have clout. Owner Daryl Katz is willing to spend to the salary cap's top, and with Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl on the roster, the team can attract talent. Alberta's tax situation also works in their favour. Edmonton may benefit as the musical chairs game plays out — when desperation hits other general managers 10 days before the deadline, Nurse could become more attractive. But the team may have to wait rather than move him quickly.