Edmonton Oilers 2015-16 Report Card Thus Far

Mandatory Credit: Perry Nelson-USA TODAY Sports

Darnell Nurse, A-

I love Darnell Nurse, and I was in complete and absolute shock when he did not make the opening night lineup. The young defensemen had been cut from the Opening Night Roster time and time again, and even after making an impressive push through the preseason, he still failed to make it. However, it was proof that that was the wrong decision when Edmonton was collapsing going into the season.

Nurse soon earned a callup, and he proved his ability to protect house and be a tough guy for this Edmonton team on the backend.

Nurse has a goal and three assists this season, and he is a minus-2. He is by far one of the best defensemen that the Oilers currently have on their roster, and it is true, due to the fact that the young man is manning the top pairing.

Though he struggles at times, Nurse has the ability to toughen up, take a hit and deliver one just fine. He is able to push guys around and maintain a tough guy persona on the ice, while he also has great speed. He is also a great, young player who is able to develop well under McLellan and continue learning, while also taking constructive criticism. I love Darnell Nurse, and there is no one more deserving than he is this season. I’m giving him an A-.