3 Players the Edmonton Oilers should have drafted instead of Darnell Nurse
The struggles of defenseman Darnell Nurse in this year's postseason begs the question on whether the Edmonton Oilers made the right call on draft day. Find out which players the Oilers should have taken instead of Nurse.
As the Stanley Cup playoffs unfold, the Edmonton Oilers find themselves grappling with a familiar adversary: inconsistency. Despite boasting formidable offensive firepower, the team's postseason journey has been marred by squandered leads and defensive lapses, casting a shadow of doubt over their championship aspirations.
One glaring issue plaguing the Oilers is the shaky performance between the pipes, primarily attributed to goaltender Stuart Skinner. While Skinner has shown flashes of brilliance, his inconsistency has often left the team vulnerable, unable to protect hard-earned leads in critical moments.
However, it would be unfair to pin all the blame on goaltending alone. The Oilers' defensive shortcomings have also come under scrutiny, with defenseman Darnell Nurse finding himself at the center of the storm. In 15 playoff games, Nurse has managed just two assists with a discouraging plus/minus rating of -12, raising questions about his effectiveness on the blue line.
Nurse's struggles beg a larger question: Did the Oilers make the right call in selecting him during the 2013 NHL Entry Draft? While hindsight is always 20/20, it's worth exploring alternative draft choices that could have potentially bolstered Edmonton's defensive stability.
Of course, speculation about alternate draft choices is purely conjectural. The Oilers must focus on addressing their current challenges rather than dwelling on past decisions. Whether it's shoring up defensive assignments, tightening goaltending, or fostering greater cohesion as a team, Edmonton must swiftly adapt and evolve if they are to salvage their playoff aspirations.
As fans, we often find ourselves pondering the tantalizing prospect of alternate realities—what might have been if the Oilers had opted for a different path on draft day. It's a question that sparks endless debate and speculation, fueling our collective imagination with visions of a brighter, more triumphant future.
Of course, indulging in such speculative scenarios is part of the fun of being a sports fan. While we may never know what could have been, the allure of alternate realities continues to captivate our imagination, reminding us of the infinite possibilities that lie within the realm of hockey's most pivotal moments
Selecting Another Center
The 2013 NHL Entry Draft presented the Edmonton Oilers with a critical decision: select a defenseman or a center to bolster their lineup. With the first overall pick in the previous year's draft, the Oilers had already secured center Ryan Nugent-Hopkins, leading them to prioritize defensive depth. Thus, when the opportunity arose, they chose defenseman Darnell Nurse with the seventh overall pick.
At the time, Nurse's selection was met with optimism and excitement from fans and analysts alike. Many envisioned him evolving into the physical, shutdown defenseman that Edmonton sorely needed, a cornerstone player to anchor their blue line for years to come. However, as the years have unfolded and Nurse's struggles in the playoffs have become apparent, questions have arisen about whether the Oilers made the right choice.
One player often cited in hindsight is Bo Horvat, chosen two picks after Nurse by the Vancouver Canucks. Horvat, a talented center, has blossomed into a key contributor for the Canucks, showcasing his scoring touch, defensive acumen, and leadership qualities. His presence in the Oilers' lineup could have provided them with a formidable one-two punch at center alongside Nugent-Hopkins, laying a solid foundation for the team's future success.
By selecting Horvat, the Oilers would have addressed their need for depth down the middle, potentially alleviating the pressure on their goaltenders and defensive corps. With two promising young centers anchoring the lineup, Edmonton could have focused on building a more balanced and cohesive team, rather than relying heavily on individual talents to carry the load.
Of course, hindsight is always 20/20, and it's easy to second-guess decisions in retrospect. The Oilers made their choice based on the information and assessments available to them at the time, and while it's natural to wonder "what if," dwelling on past decisions serves little purpose in the present. Instead, the focus should be on evaluating the current roster, identifying areas for improvement, and charting a course for future success.
A Different Defenseman
In the 2013 NHL Entry Draft, the Edmonton Oilers were on a mission to bolster their defensive corps. With the seventh overall pick, they set their sights on Darnell Nurse, a promising young defenseman whom they believed could anchor their blue line for years to come. However, as Nurse's career has unfolded, his defensive struggles have raised questions about whether the Oilers missed an opportunity by passing over other defensive prospects, such as Nikita Zadorov.
Zadorov, selected 16th overall by the Buffalo Sabres in the same draft, has carved out a solid NHL career, showcasing his physicality, defensive prowess, and ability to shut down opposing forwards. Despite bouncing around between different teams, Zadorov has consistently made an impact whenever he's been on the ice, earning a reputation as a reliable and tenacious defenseman.
The Oilers had a firsthand look at Zadorov's abilities during this year's playoffs, where they faced off against him in the second round. His imposing presence and defensive reliability posed a significant challenge for Edmonton's offense, underscoring the impact he can have on a game when he's at the top of his game.
Given the benefit of hindsight, one can't help but wonder if the Oilers should have taken a chance on Zadorov instead of Nurse. While Nurse has shown flashes of brilliance, his inconsistency and defensive lapses have left many questioning his long-term potential as a top-tier defenseman. In contrast, Zadorov's steady play and physicality could have provided the Oilers with the stability and defensive reliability they've been seeking on the blue line.
Of course, draft decisions are always fraught with uncertainty, and it's impossible to predict with certainty how things would have unfolded if the Oilers had chosen differently. However, as they continue to grapple with defensive struggles and search for solutions to shore up their blue line, it's worth reflecting on the road not taken and considering whether Nikita Zadorov could have been the missing piece in Edmonton's quest for defensive excellence.
Non-sexy Defenseman Pick
In the 2013 NHL Entry Draft, the Edmonton Oilers were steadfast in their determination to address their defensive deficiencies. With the seventh overall pick, they pinned their hopes on Darnell Nurse, believing him to be the solution to their blue line woes. However, in the years since, Nurse's inconsistent performance has prompted scrutiny, leaving some to ponder whether the Oilers missed an opportunity by overlooking other defensive prospects, such as Shea Theodore.
Shea Theodore, now a cornerstone of the Vegas Golden Knights' defensive unit, has emerged as a top-tier defenseman in the NHL. Drafted by the Anaheim Ducks, Theodore's development trajectory has been nothing short of impressive, as he's blossomed into a reliable presence on the blue line, capable of logging significant minutes in all situations.
At the time of the draft, selecting Theodore over Nurse may have been met with skepticism from Edmonton's fan base. The allure of Nurse's physicality and potential as a shutdown defenseman likely overshadowed Theodore's quieter emergence as a defensive stalwart. However, with the benefit of hindsight, it's evident that Theodore's skill set and hockey IQ have positioned him as a valuable asset for any team fortunate enough to have him in their lineup.
For Oilers fans, witnessing Theodore's ascent to prominence from afar may evoke a sense of longing for what could have been. The prospect of Theodore patrolling the blue line alongside Edmonton's other defensive talents is undoubtedly an enticing proposition in hindsight. However, dwelling on past decisions serves little purpose in the present.
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As the Oilers continue their pursuit of defensive stability and success on the ice, they must focus on the path ahead rather than lamenting missed opportunities of the past. While Shea Theodore's success may serve as a reminder of what could have been, it also underscores the importance of thorough scouting and evaluation in the draft process. In the ever-evolving landscape of professional hockey, adaptability and foresight are paramount, guiding teams toward the decisions that will shape their future fortunes.
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