Trading a mammoth contract
Let’s address the elephant in the room: the Edmonton Oilers’ cap woes could be drastically alleviated if they could convince Darnell Nurse to waive his no-movement clause (NMC). Moving Nurse, even if it requires retaining some of his salary, could be the game-changing move the Oilers need to solve their cap issues not just for this season, but for years to come.
Nurse is a cornerstone of the Oilers' defense, and his contract reflects that. Signed to an eight-year, $74 million deal that carries a hefty $9.25 million annual cap hit, Nurse is among the highest-paid defensemen in the NHL. The contract, which includes a full NMC, was designed to keep Nurse in Edmonton for the long haul, securing his services as a top-pairing defenseman during his prime years. However, the financial commitment is now putting a significant strain on the Oilers’ ability to maneuver under the salary cap.
Nurse’s cap hit is particularly burdensome in the context of the Oilers’ current situation. With the team facing an offer sheet from the St. Louis Blues for restricted free agents Broberg and Holloway, Edmonton needs to find creative ways to create cap space. Moving Nurse, despite his value to the team, could be the solution that unlocks the Oilers' ability to retain their young stars and maintain cap flexibility.
Convincing Nurse to waive his NMC is no small task. The clause was negotiated to give Nurse control over his future, allowing him to stay in Edmonton unless he agrees to a move. Asking a player to waive an NMC is always delicate, especially when the player is as integral to the team as Nurse. The Oilers would need to present a compelling case to Nurse, possibly involving discussions about the team’s long-term plans and how his departure could help the franchise’s overall success.
Furthermore, finding a trade partner willing to take on Nurse’s substantial contract, even with salary retention, could be difficult. The market for high-priced defensemen is limited, and many teams are also facing cap constraints. However, there could be suitors looking for a top-pairing defenseman like Nurse, particularly if the Oilers are willing to retain a portion of his salary to make the deal more palatable.