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Oilers' Darnell Nurse Fires Back at Trade Response Without Using a Word

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Antonio Losada | Last updated Jul 9, 2025 6:46 AM ET

Edmonton Oilers defenseman Darnell Nurse isn’t going anywhere, or at least that's how he sees his short-term future and why he let everybody know about it.

NHL insider Elliotte Friedman reported on the "32 Thoughts" podcast about Edmonton having informal talks with players after their Stanley Cup Final loss to the Florida Panthers.

Nurse was among the players reportedly approached by the Oilers to facilitate moves elsewhere via trade by waiving their no-move or no-trade clauses.

"I think basically Edmonton went to a check with all their guys who had no trade clauses, who they would want to move and say, ‘Okay, how many of you are willing to go places?’" Friedman said. "And (Viktor) Arvidson said he was, so he went.

"But, you know, Nurse, I don’t think he wants to go anywhere. So that’s kind of where it ended up. They made it clear they liked being part of something where they can win, and they decided to stay, as is their right."

On Monday, the 30-year-old Oilers defenseman appeared to address the growing noise on Instagram with a meme-related story referencing the viral “Why You Always Lying” parody.

Nurse didn’t include text, but the timing left little doubt to infer the meaning of his post, as it was widely viewed as a direct shot at the outlets that took on Friedman's report and exaggerated it to paint a picture of Nurse wanting out.

Oilers Nation's Tyler Yaremchuk posted a screenshot of Nurse's story on Instagram, hinting at the meaning of it.

Those of you get the reference will know EXACTLY the message that Darnell Nurse is sending with his most recent Instagram story. #Oilers pic.twitter.com/1iC7eVPw7g
— Tyler Yaremchuk (@tyleryaremchuk) July 8, 2025

“Those of you who get the reference will know EXACTLY the message Nurse is sending,” Yaremchuk wrote.

While Friedman mentioned that Nurse, Arvidsson, and Adam Henrique were all contacted for informal discussions, only Arvidsson ended up accepting a move to the Boston Bruins, while Nurse and Henrique let the Oilers know about their wish to stay.

Nurse is under contract through June 2030 and entering the fourth season of his eight-year, $74 million contract with Edmonton.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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