The move closed a major chapter for the Edmonton Oilers, who drafted Nurse in the first round in 2013 and saw him develop into one of the franchise’s most important defensemen. It also gave Edmonton immediate salary-cap flexibility, which made the trade one of the biggest NHL updates of the offseason.The reaction around the Edmonton Oilers was immediate when the trade was made official. He’s had a huge impact on this team, on and off the ice, multiple players said of veteran defenseman Darnell Nurse as he prepared to start over with the San Jose Sharks.
Edmonton Oilers teammates react to Darnell Nurse NHL trade move
After hearing that Nurse had been traded, Connor McDavid had a short but powerful reaction. Through playoff pushes, pressure-filled seasons and the hope of bringing a Stanley Cup back to Edmonton, the Oilers captain spent years with Nurse as the face of the franchise.McDavid’s message was a reflection of the respect Nurse has earned in his long tenure with the team. Nurse was a club leader, a constant presence on the blue line and a familiar face in the Oilers’ core as the team rose to become a contender in the Western Conference.
Leon Draisaitl and Celeste Desjardins share emotional messages
Leon Draisaitl also commented on the trade, saying how much Nurse meant to the Oilers’ star players. Draisaitl and Nurse sat together for several key seasons, and the forward’s reaction underscored the personal nature of a move that reshaped the team.Draisaitl’s wife, Celeste Desjardins, gave a more personal goodbye on social media. Her message was about the friendships forged in Edmonton and the memories made with Nurse and his family. She thanked him for the times they had shared, and wished the Nurse family well as they headed off to San Jose.
Darnell Nurse embraces fresh opportunity with San Jose Sharks
Darnell Nurse expressed his excitement about being traded to the San Jose Sharks and beginning a new chapter in his NHL career. He is excited for the opportunity, and he is ready to contribute with his skating, defensive play and leadership, he said.Nurse also pointed to the challenge of building a younger roster. The veteran defenseman said he feels he can provide energy, minutes and experience to the Sharks as they build for the future.Nurse leaves Edmonton after nearly 800 games with the franchise, 88 goals and 236 assists, etching his name as one of the most recognisable defensemen in recent Edmonton Oilers history.
