Darnell Nurse reportedly wants out of Edmonton and Elliotte Friedman has revealed that 3-5 teams have interest in the defender.
Darnell Nurse wants out of Edmonton according to Elliotte Friedman, and in addition to that the Fourth Period reports that both the Los Angeles Kings and Pittsburgh Penguins are part of that list. There's three potential other teams in the mix, and the Maple Leafs could be in the mix as speculation grows.
Nurse has been speculated to be dealt away for a few months now, as we had rumblings of a potential trade deadline deal between Toronto and Edmonton involving Nurse and Morgan Rielly, but nothing came of it clearly however that doesn't mean they might not come back to it this summer.
Darnell Nurse wants out of Edmonton and up to five teams could be in the running
Though they may not be the only team in the mix if Elliotte Friedman is to be believed, and there's one surprising team would could be making a play for the veteran blueliner.
Friedman reiterated Mark Spector's original report that Nurse not only has requested a deal, but that there could be anywhere between 3-5 teams in the mix:
Last week, Sportsnet's Mark Spector reported the Oilers would like to trade Nurse, and, according to multiple sources, the defenceman recently went to the organization and said he would like to be traded. He now feels it is time for him to move on.
This is critical, because Nurse has a full no-trade clause until July 1, 2027 - so nothing could happen until then without his approval.
Those same sources indicated Nurse has given a list of 3-5 teams he would consider. He has the right to limit the number of legit destinations, so we've got some work to do to figure it out.
Nurse wanting out is going to make a few teams certainly interested and according to David Pagnotta, there are a couple teams that Nurse is willing to waive his trade protection for which includes surprisingly - the Pittsburgh Penguins:
As per sources, TFP has learned the Pittsburgh Penguins and Los Angeles Kings are two teams he would be willing to sign off for, and the connections seem clear as to why.
There is a connection between Nurse and Penguins GM Kyle Dubas, as Nurse played under Dubas while both were with Sault Ste. Marie but in terms of a hockey standpoint it is a little bit surprising.
Toronto may be in the running still but have to be careful not to run into another Rielly situation
You're definitely adding a lot better of a defensive player with Nurse, but he also doesn't solve your offensive issues either. He's had two seasons with 40+ points, and he would add another shutdown body to a lineup already filled with them.
Plus, he makes more than Rielly at $9.25-million and you're going to be paying him until he's 35. He's also got a full no-trade clause so if you don't like what he's doing, then it's going to be much harder to trade him.
Unless Toronto gets a player like Darren Raddysh or Dougie Hamilton to help give them the playmaking and offensive help needed, then it's going to be another big contract for an older player who doesn't help their true needs.
You're swapping Rielly's lack of defensive game for Nurse's lack of a true offensive game while also paying more money and nothing's ever guaranteed.
Perhaps Toronto should sit this one out.
Will Darnell Nurse be traded?
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