The Edmonton Oilers are facing significant challenges with their top-four defensemen, particularly concerning Darnell Nurse. As the 2025-26 season progresses, the struggle has become evident, especially in the first month. Three main defensemen—Evan Bouchard, Mattias Ekholm, and Darnell Nurse—have each experienced varying degrees of difficulty in five-on-five goal shares. Nurse’s performance has shown notable regression since November 1, dropping to a 42 percent goal share.
Understanding the Nurse Dilemma
Nurse’s performance issues are heavily scrutinized by fans, with mixed opinions surrounding his role on the team. Some supporters argue for a reduction in his responsibilities to a third-pair defenseman role due to his substantial contract. Others believe the solution lies in finding an effective defensive partner for him.
Previous Successes and Partners
Historically, Darnell Nurse has performed better when paired with certain players. From the 2021-22 season through last season, he paired with Cody Ceci for an extensive 2,576 minutes, achieving a 51 percent five-on-five goal share. This pairing thrived outside of playing alongside star players like Connor McDavid, demonstrating Nurse’s ability to succeed under the right conditions.
Current Partnerships and Issues
Let’s explore Nurse’s success with various partners over the last three seasons:
| Partner | Minutes with Nurse | Goal Percentage | Expected Goal Percentage |
|---|---|---|---|
| Troy Stecher | 583 | 56% | 50% |
| Brett Kulak | 489 | 39% | 54% |
| Jake Walman | 316 | 58% | 50% |
| Alec Regula | 280 | 26% | 54% |
| Evan Bouchard | 274 | 60% | 62% |
| Mattias Ekholm | 186 | 55% | 63% |
| Vincent Desharnais | 182 | 30% | 49% |
These statistics indicate that Nurse tends to perform better with puck-moving and offensive-minded partners. Unfortunately, the departure of Troy Stecher, who gelled well with Nurse, has left a gap that has not been effectively filled.
The Impact of Line Combinations
The overall performance of the Oilers’ defense hinges on line combinations. When separated from elite players like McDavid and Leon Draisaitl, Nurse’s five-on-five goal share drops significantly. In fact, his performance with the bottom two lines shows a distressing 27 percent goal share.
Finding Effective Solutions
The coaching staff, led by Kris Knoblauch, needs to devise a plan to maximize Nurse’s effectiveness. Identifying a suitable partner is essential for his growth as a key defenseman. The Oilers’ management must also address their struggling depth, as no defensemen are thriving when paired with weaker lines.
In conclusion, the dilemma surrounding Darnell Nurse is multi-faceted and requires immediate attention. Optimizing pairing strategies and addressing the depth of the roster could pave the way for improvements in performance and the overall success of the Edmonton Oilers.
