One of Edmonton’s top defensemen has faced increased scrutiny this season. With the team struggling at times, every performance is being carefully watched.
Shifts, passes, and defensive plays are closely analyzed, and discussions about consistency and impact have become a regular part of the conversation.
Former Oilers Defend Edmonton’s $74M Blue-Liner
Darnell Nurse, the Oilers’ $74 million defenseman, has been at the center of this discussion. He is signed to an eight-year deal with a $9.25 million cap hit, keeping him with the team through the 2029-30 season. Former Oilers goaltender Devan Dubnyk defended Nurse, noting that while his salary attracts attention, it shouldn’t overshadow his contributions.
“He’s still a human being, and it probably sucks a little bit. I think you gotta step back a little bit and be like, that contract’s signed. It’s what it is. It’s not his fault. You wouldn’t say no to it. You’d take that all day. Look at the defenseman that he is and what he’s going to bring to the table… he’s still a guy that can be a positive to the team,” Dubnyk said on AskDubey, pointing to Nurse’s size, defensive awareness, and steady presence on the ice.
“He’s big, he’s mean, he plays defense,” he continued. “He brings all of these good assets to the team, and they’re kind of overshadowed because he’s making over nine million dollars a year. There’s no point in continuing to balance those things because that’s not gonna change, and I don’t think he’s ever gonna be a nine-million-dollar player.
“That doesn’t make him a bad guy or a bad player, and if you can eliminate that and try to look at the positives that he brings, that helps the team.”
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Media commentary has also focused on Edmonton’s defensive challenges. In November, on Oilers NOW, Elliotte Friedman and Bob Stauffer discussed the team’s early struggles, mentioning Nurse alongside other defenders. Stauffer noted that Nurse isn’t the same emotive player he was in previous years, while Friedman added,
“I have to tell you, Bob, I have wondered if all the noise has gotten to him. I wondered that.” Friedman highlighted how outside criticism and speculation can affect even experienced players, citing the pressures faced by Nurse.
Through 29 games this 2025-26 season, Nurse has recorded five goals and as many assists for 10 points, along with a -10 plus/minus rating. He averages over 20 minutes of ice time per game, providing both offensive support and defensive stability. While his statistics may not stand out, his experience and role on the blue line remain important for Edmonton.