On June 22, Darnell Nurse faced heavy backlash for his massive contract and underwhelming performance in the playoffs. Fans were vocal, essentially saying that the Oilers should trade him. The financial losses could be staggering if he doesn’t up his game, especially with a no-trade clause in place. But just four days after the backlash, Darnell Nurse has decided to take a big step. He has made the surprising decision to part ways with the current organization. It signals a major shift in both his career and the Oilers’ future.

Yes, you heard that right. Darnell’s unexpected move on June 26 via his social media account gave way to rumors that the star was leaving the Oilers’ building. One of the hockey enthusiasts dropped a major update on X, saying, “Darnell Nurse has taken ‘Oilers’ out of his Instagram bio this evening.” The source also added, “This comes just hours after Stauffer suggested the Oilers have something cooking, and fans will have something to talk about soon.” Currently, there is a haze around his move, but as time passes, we believe the dust will settle enough to give us a clear preview. 

Darnell Nurse’s handsome eight-year contract extension worth $74,000,000, which included a signing bonus of $24,000,000 from 2022, was insured with a non-movement clause. His average salary is $9,250,000. The veteran defenseman has played 76 games in the 2024-25 season. In these 76 games, he managed to score 5 goals and made 28 assists. Compared to other players in the league, this is not a great worth of play for the contract he has. 

But if the Oilers take a decision to trade him despite a non-movement clause, what could be a great landing spot for him? It is said that the Detroit Red Wings can be a good spot for Darnell if the Oilers want to trade him. But he also has a non-movement clause, right? So, according to experts, Nurse has a substantial contract with a high cap hit ($9.25 million). And also has a no-move clause. It means the Oilers need his consent to trade him. And even with the modified no-trade clause in later years, he has significant control over potential destinations. 

A writer and content person, Tyler Yaremchuk, from Edmonton, posted a strong message on X on June 26. He wrote, “Just going to toss this out there: Darnell Nurse’s Instagram bio is the exact same as it was in February of 2018.” And also added, “So, believe whatever rumours you want, but the player is not signalling a trade with whatever is in his bio.” So, amid swirling rumors, there are chances that Darnell Nurse would not go anywhere.

Meanwhile, rumors swirl around Connor McDavid’s contract extension with the Oilers, and questions loom around whether he will stick around.

Connor McDavid’s second contract extension awaits approval

TSN’s Ryan Rishaug reported on Tuesday, “Sounds like Stan Bowman and Jeff Jackson are in Ontario, and meetings have begun with McDavid’s agent Judd Moldaver.” He also added, “Broader discussions about the organization and direction are the starting point.” After his rookie deal ended, the Oilers retained Connor on an eight-year, $100,000,000 contract in 2018, which would end with the 2025-2026 season.

Now, as he is in the last year of his contract, the next few months will decide his future. In fact, there are enough chances, the Oilers would decide on the question of his 2nd contract extension in the coming months, but unfortunately, there is no fixed date right now. According to The Hockey Writers, the negotiation between Connor’s agent and the Oilers is expected to extend well beyond July 1. But there is a silver lining to all the cloudy atmosphere around McDavid. 

According to AFP Analytics, McDavid is projected to receive a four-year deal worth $16.35 million per season. And the total would be $65.4 million overall. This would make him one of the highest-paid players in NHL history. Let’s see if this bold projection can become a reality. But before that, let’s discuss the other side of the coin- trade rumors.. 

If you surf the Internet, you would definitely find a mention of the Toronto Maple Leafs connected to Connor’s name regarding a trade. But this is just a rumor as of now. No official announcement or hint has been given by any organisation or any authorised person of either franchise. Contrary to this, McDavid would not be interested in moving out of Canada. And the main reason behind this would be his wife’s businesses. As we know, on June 6, Connor attended his wife’s new business venture, which is a furniture business. Other than the new business, she also runs her well-known Kyle & Co Design Studio in Canada. So, this can be a strong reason to shut down all the unimaginable trade rumors swirling around him. 

To concrete this, “Connor’s the best player in the League, the most important player in the League, he’s our captain, he’s our leader and certainly he’s a No. 1 priority,” this is what Stan Bowman, the GM of the Oilers, said about the Oilers captain on June 21, 2025. So, according to the Edmonton Journal, “He’s got one year left on his deal but can sign a new contract with the Oilers as early as July 1.” But Connor is in no hurry. Talking to the Edmonton Journal, he said, “You know, talk to my agent a little bit and family and all that, and make some decisions whenever that time comes. But there’s no rush, no rush on anything like that.” So, let’s see how big a contract he gets from the Oilers. Let’s wait and watch.