Although the trade deadline is passed, there are still plenty of issues deserving of speculation when it comes to the Edmonton Oilers. With sky high expectations, and the playoffs around the corner, the pressure is mounting as the Oilers continue to earn uneven results.
Let’s take a closer look at some burning issues in this week’s rumour roundup.
Hoping for Nurse to be gone
A divisive issue amongst the fan base, many have soured on Darnell Nurse. His contract is undoubtedly richer than most would want, acting as a magnifying glass for any mistakes or miscues from the defenceman. Still, every coaching staff that has come through Edmonton has valued his play and deployed him as a premier option.
Regardless, armchair GMs across Oil Country fantasize about the team moving off of Nurse and his contract. It appears that the team might be considering it as well, if recent reports are to be believed. There might be some possibility for a move this summer.
For now, Nurse has a full no-movement for this season and next. His trade protection loosens after that point, turning into a 10-team no-trade list. Naturally, the best opportunity to trade Nurse would be after that point. Whether or not it would be a good idea to do so is another question.
Often fans can get fixated on cap dollars, and Nurse making more than $9M is quite a bit. It is easy to think about so much cap space by bringing up two or three really good players whose salaries add up to that amount. Unfortunately, acquiring such players is often more difficult than listing them.
For now Nurse remains an integral part of the Oilers on and off the ice. He plays a huge role on the team and is trusted by his coaches. Of course he makes some mistakes, and that can be frustrating, but fans should not lose sight of the fact that Nurse is still required for the team to be successful this season. At some point it might be beneficial to pivot, but the Oilers do not have anyone close to replacing him either.
Jarry butting heads
Despite multiple moves the Oilers still have some drama surrounding their goalies. Many believed that the departure of Stuart Skinner was needed, fans and players alike worn down by the constant scrutiny to a point of no return.
Though initially the addition of Tristan Jarry began to quell the fervour, it seems that time has passed already. With the Oilers struggling defensively, no goalie has performed very well for them this season. Still, Jarry faces his own criticisms for his play, even from his own teammates.
What is known is that there was a back and forth at practice. There is word of frustration between the team and Jarry. Tensions were high before the Olympic break, and the time apart did not alleviate the situation.
Jarry needs to play better, but so do the Oilers. While a Vezina Trophy worthy goaltender might help solve all these issues, the Oilers cannot find one this season. The goalies during the Connor McDavid era have all handled a huge burden, and the pressure might only be mounting. Many feel the Oilers would have already won at least one Stanley Cup if they had even adequate goaltending, but that does not quite seem fair.
For now the roster is set, and the Oilers will have to redirect some of their frustrations into better play. The GM focused on the team’s defensive issues by targeting Jason Dickinson and Connor Murphy at the trade deadline. The coach focused on the same issues calling for the team to give up offence for improved defensive play. However frustrating the perceived lack of talent in net is, the Oilers cannot let a soft goal or a lack of belief derail their best efforts.
Some adjustments to the roster might be a priority this offseason, perhaps even in net. The Jarry situation seems to have devolved more severely than it ever did with Skinner. The Oilers will have to figure it all out, or else more goaltending maneuvers will be imminent.
Photo by Curtis Comeau/Icon Sportswire
