Darnell Nurse has long been viewed with mixed opinions by Edmonton Oilers fans and analysts alike. Since signing a hefty $9.25 million contract, scrutiny of his play has intensified, making it increasingly difficult to assess his contributions without factoring in his salary. Despite moments where Nurse’s physical presence and occasional offensive contributions stood out, his performance during the 2025–26 season has notably declined, prompting concerns about his ability to rebound.
Analyst Jason Gregor Expresses Doubts About Nurse’s Future
On a recent episode of The Jason Gregor Show, hockey analyst Jason Gregor voiced strong reservations regarding Nurse’s current form, suggesting the possibility that the defenseman’s struggles may be irreparable.
“Get in someone’s face, do something, because right now you’re not doing a lot, so at least try to do something. But I’m not sure it’s salvageable, to be honest. At this stage, it’s not like, ‘ok, I had a stretch, hey look at Mattias Ekholm came off an injury, had a tough six weeks, look at him now, fine.’ Lots of other guys have funks; they dig their way out of it. There’s nothing, I’m sorry. Not remotely good enough, not remotely good enough,”
Jason Gregor, Analyst
Current Season Statistics Reflect Nurse’s Difficulties
At 31 years old, Nurse has recorded 20 points, including seven goals and 13 assists, over 60 games in the ongoing season but carries a -11 rating, signaling challenges on the defensive end. He is in the fourth year of an eight-year, $74 million deal signed in 2021 that contains a full no-movement clause until the end of the 2026–27 season.
Edmonton’s Defensive Struggles and the Impact on Team Prospects
Although Nurse showed flashes of effectiveness in a recent game in Los Angeles, his overall form remains underwhelming. Gregor’s assessment highlights the gap between Nurse’s current output and what is expected given his stature and contract. The Oilers’ defensive vulnerabilities have forced the team to seek a top-four defensive player before the trade deadline, underscoring the repercussions of Nurse’s decline on the team’s aspirations.
Looking Ahead: The Hopes for a Turning Point
The situation poses a tough challenge for both the Edmonton Oilers and their supporters. As the Olympic break approaches, there is cautious optimism that Nurse might regain his footing. For the Oilers to advance to a third consecutive Stanley Cup Final and aim to secure the championship, enhanced performance from their $9.25 million defenseman will be essential.
"I'm not sure it's salvageable to be honest."@JasonGregor on Darnell Nurse.
Brought to you by All-Star Construction. pic.twitter.com/amTyJYLHql
— Sports 1440 (@Sports1440) February 26, 2026
