New report reveals potential trade package between Oilers and Penguins involving Darnell Nurse
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Tyler Ball
Jun 18, 2026 (10:47 PM)
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Photo credit: David Gonzales-Imagn Images
Tonight, a new report has suggested a potential framework for a trade between the Edmonton Oilers and Pittsburgh Penguins centered around defenseman Darnell Nurse.
The Edmonton Oilers are in a major transition period this season after firing head coach Kris Knoblauch and committing to significant roster turnover.
One step in that roster turnover is expected to be the trade of Darnell Nurse, who has been heavily rumored in recent weeks to have played his last game in Edmonton.
Since the report surfaced regarding Nurse, multiple teams have been mentioned as potential landing spots for the veteran defenseman, one of which is the Pittsburgh Penguins.
With the Penguins emerging as a contender to land Nurse, one source has now put together the beginnings of a trade package to make the salary work in a deal between the Penguins and the Oilers.
New report suggests potential trade between Penguins and Oilers centered around Darnell Nurse
According to the report from the Mug, for the Penguins to be able to take on Nurse's contract, they would need to clear salary cap space themselves.
As a result, fellow defenseman Ryan Graves would likely have to be part of the return heading to Edmonton to make the money match.
If an Oilers-Penguins deal involving Darnell Nurse is happening, you have to assume Ryan Graves will be part of the return to the Edmonton Oilers. $4.5M AAV in year 4/6, 31 years old, but split between the NHL/AHL last season, after clearing waivers.
Additionally, David Pagnotta believes the Oilers and Penguins are in advanced talks regarding this trade framework, and a deal could be completed around the time of the NHL Draft.
Graves, 31, bounced between the NHL and AHL this past season but has over 400 games of NHL experience under his belt in his 9-year career.
While Graves isn't the most intriguing player at this stage of his career, he is a solid veteran who could play third-pair minutes for the Oilers and bring both veteran leadership and playoff experience.
Of course, Graves would only be one piece of a larger deal, likely involving draft picks or prospects along with at least one other NHL-ready player along with Graves.
As of now, it remains unclear how far along the Oilers are in the process of trading Nurse, but as more news is reported on his future in Edmonton and beyond, we will pass that news along to you.
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