Brutal blow for Darnell Nurse after trade request

Darnell Nurse may be looking for a fresh start, but finding one could prove easier said than done.

According to recent reports, Nurse and his representatives submitted a shortlist of preferred destinations to the Edmonton Oilers roughly a week ago, signaling that the veteran defenseman would welcome a move elsewhere.

However, NHL insider Darren Dreger believes the trade market may not be nearly as active as some expect.

Speaking about Nurse’s situation, Dreger admitted he doesn’t see a long list of teams rushing to acquire the Oilers blueliner.

In fact, he joked that Edmonton’s inbox might be receiving “the cricket emoji.”

The biggest issue is obvious: Nurse’s contract.

The 31-year-old carries a $9.25 million cap hit on a long-term deal, making it extremely difficult for interested clubs to fit him under the salary cap without significant maneuvering.

Dreger added that several NHL executives have suggested any realistic trade would likely require Edmonton to take back another undesirable contract or multiple contracts in return.

“Otherwise, how do you facilitate a deal of that magnitude?” Dreger said.

The Oilers now face a complicated balancing act.

Not only must general manager Stan Bowman navigate Nurse’s modified no-trade protection, but he must also find a team capable of absorbing one of the largest contracts among NHL defensemen.

While reports have linked clubs such as the Los Angeles Kings and Pittsburgh Penguins to Nurse, the financial realities of a potential deal may ultimately prove to be the biggest hurdle.

For now, Nurse appears ready to move on.

The question is whether there will be enough teams willing, and able, to make it happen.