According to NHL insider Elliotte Friedman, Edmonton Oilers defenseman Darnell Nurse has agreed to expand his list of teams he would accept a trade to. The original list included only Philadelphia, Boston, and Pittsburgh, but Nurse has now opened up to additional clubs. Friedman specifically mentioned San Jose as one team to watch.
Details of the expanded trade list
Friedman reported the news on July 1, 2026, stating: “There is word this afternoon Darnell Nurse has agreed to expand his list of teams he will accept a trade to. San Jose is one to watch. We will see where it goes.” It remains unclear which other teams have been added beyond San Jose.
Impact on the Oilers
Nurse, a key defenseman for Edmonton, has been a subject of trade speculation as the Oilers look to reshape their roster. Expanding his trade list increases the likelihood of a deal, potentially giving the Oilers more flexibility in negotiations. The addition of San Jose, a team with cap space and a need for defensive help, could accelerate trade talks.
Nurse, 31, has spent his entire NHL career with the Oilers since being drafted seventh overall in 2013. He carries a $9.25 million cap hit through the 2029-30 season, making a trade complex but more feasible with a broader list of acceptable destinations.
