2) Darnell Nurse
The Edmonton Oilers’ front office placed significant faith in Darnell Nurse when they signed him to a massive contract, hoping he would evolve into one of the elite defensemen in the NHL. With a cap hit of $9.25 million per year extending until 2030, Nurse's deal was seen as a commitment to securing a cornerstone player on the blue line. Unfortunately, since signing, Nurse has struggled to consistently deliver performances that align with the expectations that accompany such a hefty contract.
While Nurse is undeniably a talented player—bringing physicality, leadership, and the ability to log significant minutes—his on-ice performance has often fallen short of elite status. Defensive lapses, inconsistent decision-making, and an inability to produce offensively at the level anticipated have plagued him in recent seasons. As a result, fans and analysts alike have questioned whether the Oilers are getting their money's worth, especially when comparing his performance to that of other top-tier defensemen in the league.
Adding to the Oilers’ woes is the fact that Nurse’s contract is nearly impossible to move. Not only is he one of the NHL's highest-paid defensemen, but the lengthy duration of his deal makes it difficult for teams to take on such a financial commitment. Moreover, Nurse's No Movement Clause complicates matters further, as it gives him control over any potential trades. This clause limits the Oilers’ options and makes it challenging to explore scenarios that could alleviate their salary cap issues.
With Edmonton looking to build a championship-caliber roster, Nurse’s contract looms large. The Oilers need to find ways to maximize their roster flexibility and address areas of need, but Nurse’s deal ties up significant cap space that could otherwise be used to acquire depth players or bolster the blue line. For the Oilers to truly compete for the Stanley Cup, Nurse must not only improve his performance level but also become a more valuable asset rather than a burden. The next few seasons will be critical for Nurse to prove that he can live up to the expectations of his contract and help lead the Oilers back to playoff glory.