Back to today’s briefing

Story perspectives

Oilers GM Meets Nurse Over Trade, Clause Limits Options

6/5/2026

42 10 Full Breakdown

Summary

Bowman Meets Nurse

Oilers general manager Stan Bowman will meet defenseman Darnell Nurse to discuss a trade before the 2026-27 season.
Nurse, 31, holds a full no-movement clause that converts to a ten-team no-trade list on July 1 2027.
He is under an eight-year, $74 million contract with a $9.25 million cap hit through the 2029-30 season.
If Nurse declines the trade, the Oilers will retain him for one more year and revisit deals later.

Summary

Nurse Floor Threat

Nurse’s $9.25 million cap hit could lift several teams above the $76.9 million floor.
The San Jose Sharks project a $63.5 million hit, far below the floor.
Detroit Red Wings sit just under $75 million, about $2 million shy of the floor.
The Flyers, Penguins, Ducks and Blackhawks could each absorb Nurse’s $9.5 million hit.
Toronto Maple Leafs, about $5 million over the floor, were linked to a Nurse-for-Nic Roy swap before the 2026 deadline.

History

Historical Context

The NHL’s 310-day lockout began on September 16 2004 and ended with a July 13 2005 collective bargaining agreement that imposed a $39 million salary cap and a floor for 2005-06. By linking payroll to 54 % of league revenues, the deal forced teams such as Detroit and Toronto to reshape contracts, a practice that still drives roster moves today.

1 of 3

Bowman Meets Nurse

Oilers general manager Stan Bowman will meet defenseman Darnell Nurse to discuss a trade before the 2026-27 season.
Nurse, 31, holds a full no-movement clause that converts to a ten-team no-trade list on July 1 2027.
He is under an eight-year, $74 million contract with a $9.25 million cap hit through the 2029-30 season.
If Nurse declines the trade, the Oilers will retain him for one more year and revisit deals later.

1 / 3