Darnell Nurse pushes back on persistent rumor about his Oilers exit
Photo credit: IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect
Darnell Nurse addressed his trade to the San Jose Sharks this week, pushing back on rumors about his final days with the Edmonton Oilers.
New Sharks defenseman Darnell Nurse met with San Jose media this week and got asked directly about his exit from Edmonton.
He wasn't shy about clearing things up.
Reports had suggested he was miserable and losing his passion for the game during his final stretch with the Oilers, and Nurse made clear that version wasn't accurate.
Sometimes a change is just overdue for everyone involved.
That was the case with Nurse and the Oilers, who had circled a possible move for a couple of seasons.
Edmonton wasn't thrilled about carrying $9.25 million in cap space for a player fans had turned into a target over his contract.
Things came to a head this summer when word got out that the Oilers were about to ask him, for the second time, to waive his no trade clause.
Why Nurse decided to ask out first
Nurse beat them to it. He listed Boston, Philadelphia and Pittsburgh as preferred destinations, only adding the Sharks once those three couldn't work out a deal.
Most around the league think he landed well, since San Jose is considered one of the more promising young rosters going forward.
Was Nurse really unhappy in Edmonton
One reporter asked whether this fresh start meant he hadn't been fully himself in his final days as an Oiler, noting he'd often seemed guarded around Edmonton media.
Nurse shot that down, insisting his love for the game never wavered and that he's grateful for the experiences Edmonton gave him.
"Nah, I've always loved the game of hockey. It doesn't matter where you're playing,” he said. “I love the grind of it. I love every day. I was super fortunate for my time in Edmonton. I had a lot of amazing experiences and friendships that will last a lifetime.”
- Darnell Nurse
- Darnell Nurse
He called it a natural time for a change and said he's excited to make San Jose part of his life.
Nurse gets his first shot at facing his old team on January 13th, and Oilers fans will get a chance to thank a player who gave the franchise several good seasons.
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