Report: Darnell Nurse open to trade from Oilers as deal now likely

The Darnell Nurse situation in Edmonton may be moving faster than anyone expected.

According to David Pagnotta of The Fourth Period, sources have indicated that Nurse is open to a trade to the right environment, even though his preference remains to stay in Edmonton. Pagnotta adds that it is now considered likely that Nurse is dealt at some point this offseason. He writes, “Nurse also owns a full no-movement clause, but sources have told TFP that he is open to a trade to the right environment, even though his preference is to stay in Edmonton.”

We should be clear. Pagnotta is the first reporter to suggest that Nurse is open to a trade. Until this article, insiders have been hesitant to suggest they have any clue about which way Nurse will lean. To this point, he’s declined waiving his no-trade clause whenever asked. There’s no obvious indication he’s changed his mind.

However, if Pagnotta’s report is accurate, that’s a significant development.

As recently as this week, the central complication in the Nurse saga wasn’t whether the Oilers wanted to move him — they clearly do — but whether Nurse would cooperate. His contract includes a full no-movement clause, giving him complete control over his destination and, effectively, whether any trade happens at all. Some insiders had hinted that the Oilers could play a little hardball and try to convince Nurse that it’s in his best interest to work with them now and control his own situation. If not, when his no-trade turns into a modified one next summer, they’ll do what they want, largely without his input.