Edmonton Oilers defenseman Darnell Nurse could be back with the team next season, according to Oilers insider Bob Stauffer. Speaking on Oilers Now on June 22, 2026, Stauffer outlined a scenario where Nurse remains in Edmonton if his trade list expands beyond the current three Eastern Conference teams.
Trade List Expansion Key to Nurse's Future
Stauffer revealed that Nurse has provided a list of only three teams, all in the Eastern Conference. To facilitate a trade, Nurse may need to expand that list to include Western Conference teams like the Chicago Blackhawks and San Jose Sharks. “In order for Darnell to ultimately be traded, there is a distinct possibility he’s going to have to expand his list,” Stauffer said.
He added that Pittsburgh and Philadelphia are potential Eastern Conference destinations, but Chicago and San Jose make sense in the West because they have cap space and want to improve. “Both teams want to take a step forward, and Darnell Nurse is still a pretty good player,” Stauffer noted.
Cap Constraints and Retention Scenarios
The Oilers face a hard cap, and moving Nurse may require salary retention. Stauffer explained: “San Jose and Chicago have a lot of cap space, but if the Oilers have to move Nurse, they might have to retain salary. And maybe the deal just doesn’t make sense.” He speculated that Stan Bowman, the Oilers' general manager, is weighing multiple probabilities: a trade to one of Nurse’s original three teams, an expanded list trade, or no trade at all.
Plausible Return to Edmonton
Stauffer dropped the biggest news: “There is a scenario where Darnell Nurse returns to the Edmonton Oilers this year. That is a plausible scenario. And some might say it wouldn’t be positive for the Edmonton Oilers. Time will tell in that regard.”
He emphasized that the situation is fluid over the next eight to nine days, with multiple outcomes possible. “Could he be traded? Yes. Could he not be traded? Yes. This thing is going to be an interesting storyline to watch,” Stauffer concluded.
Analysis: Walking Away or Staying Put
The Oilers may be signaling that they can walk away from trade talks, which strengthens their negotiating position. However, keeping Nurse might not be ideal for either party. Nurse has averaged solid regular-season performance but has struggled in playoffs, with 80% of fans reportedly wanting him traded. Under new coach Mike Babcock, there is a chance Nurse could adapt to a more disciplined defensive role, moving the puck without attempting offensive heroics.
Ultimately, Stauffer’s comments suggest that Nurse’s return is a real possibility, contingent on trade list expansion and cap logistics. The coming days will determine whether Nurse stays or goes.
