Edmonton Oilers‘ Darnell Nurse and Toronto Maple Leafs‘ Morgan Rielly find themselves in similar situations a quarter of the way through the season.
Both are struggling, in different ways, which has ignited talks of a change of scenery for the two veteran defensemen.
On the Real Kyper and Bourne Show, former GM Doug MacLean said he would trade for Nurse “in a heartbeat,” igniting speculation about whether the Toronto Maple Leafs should consider a one for one swap involving Morgan Rielly.
Both players hold no movement clauses and both carry heavy contracts, but the idea is a talking point as each team searches for answers after rocky starts.
THEY SAID WHAT?! 🤯
The Real Kyper & Bourne Show tossed out a wild idea…
Darnell Nurse ($9.25M) ↔️ Morgan Rielly ($7.5M)
Oilers and Maple Leafs fans what you think? Drop your take below#BleedOilBlue #Oilers #LetsGoOilers #yeg #LeafsForever #Toronto pic.twitter.com/Ieirds1ce1
— Bleed Oil Blue (@BleedOilBlue) December 1, 2025 Darnell Nurse trade rumors intensify
Supporters of the move argue that a change of scenery could benefit both players. Nurse brings size, physical play, and big minutes, something Toronto has lacked at times.
Rielly, now in his early thirties, continues to drive offense but has faced growing criticism defensively.
This is the worst version of Darnell Nurse since his rookie season. pic.twitter.com/D4JQ322Sxt
— Blue Bullet Brad (@BlueBullet1981) November 16, 2025
MacLean believes Nurse could rediscover his game in Toronto, even though his cap hit is significantly higher. However, one could counter that the Leafs need more mobility on the blue line, not a larger contract tied to inconsistent play.
This season, the 30-year-old has recorded five goals and 10 points, with an ugly -10 plus/minus rating and 41 penalty minutes across 27 games played.
Would the Oilers or Maple Leafs actually do it
From Edmonton’s perspective, Rielly’s lower cap number and stronger puck movement present a clearer upgrade, especially for a team trying to balance a top-heavy roster.
Rielly, in his 13th NHL season, has recorded four goals and 20 total points, along with a -3 plus/minus rating across 25 games played.
For Toronto, however, taking on more money for a less reliable defender is a tough sell unless Nurse dramatically elevates his play.
With both clubs trying to stabilize their seasons, the trade is extremely unlikely, but the noise around Nurse probably won’t go anywhere as the season progresses.
Photo Credit: Sam Navarro-Imagn Images