Given some of the articles we've written previously about Darnell Nurse, you might be under the impression that we don't like him. Our latest example came last week, when we criticised a report suggesting he was being considered for Team Canada, stating there are better defensive alternatives to consider for the NHL’s Four Nations Faceoff tournament.
However, just because we're critical of Nurse, it doesn't mean we dislike him. These opinions are based purely on how he is performing for the Oilers - nothing more and nothing less.
In this respect, the reality is that dating back to last season -- mostly during the playoffs when he was a significant liability-- the 29-year-old has been struggling to play up to the level expected of a second-pairing defenceman. These struggles have spilled over into this season, with him tied-for the team's second-worst +/- rating, tied-third for most giveaways, and with his pairing consistently the worst of the three when it comes to expected goals.
Again though, just to stress, any criticism is purely related to Nurse's productivity or lack thereof. We know the effort is still there, with prime examples being his leading the team in blocks and being second in hits this season.
A commanding locker room voice
Further, the Hamilton, Ontario native is one of the Oilers' alternate captains, which shows how much the other players respect him as a leader. Along these lines a report has now come out, which only reinforces his reputation as a standup guy.
During this weekend's Saturday Headlines segment on Hockey Night in Canada, Sportsnet's Ron McLean and Elliotte Friedman talked about the NHLPA putting together a committee to help players better understand the issue of CTE. Friedman said the committee was approved last summer, and it is hoped there will be one representative from each of the NHL's 32 teams.
However, it was what was said next which will have really caught the attention of Oilers fans. Friedman said:
""We understand that one of the players who is going to be on the committee, is Darnell Nurse of Edmonton. That would be an excellent choice. I think he can be an excellent person to help educate his fellow members about the challenges that can be faced, and the treatment that can be gotten.""
When someone as well-connected and respected as Friedman lauds the choice of Nurse, it certainly carries some significant weight. In general though, this speaks volumes about the man and his contributions to his fellow players in the game.
As noted by Ryan Hall of Oilers Daily, Nurse has been an advocate at several NHLPA committees over the years, including those helping players prepare for their life after retirement from hockey. He's also helped promote racial justice and diversity within the sport, and been a leading voice on anti racism.
Overall, this is just another example of what makes Nurse a leader and someone to be respected. Now, if he could just get his game together, we wouldn't have to continue with our objective criticism of his performances. (Which, believe it or not, we do still feel guilty about.)