Darnell Nurse #25, Edmonton Oilers Mandatory Credit: James Carey Lauder-USA TODAY Sports
Darnell Nurse is coming off one of his best seasons he’s ever had with the Oilers. After putting up 36 points in 56 games, and adding a +/- of +27, the 26-year-old defensemen was rewarded for his efforts with an eight-year contract extension this offseason worth $9.25M AAV, making him one of the highest-paid defenders in the NHL.
With Adam Larsson being gone, it looks as though the Oilers will be relying on Nurse to take over a lot of top-line ice time, and will be leaning on him as the clear #1 on the blue line going into the new season.