Oilers News & Rumours: Nurse Trade Seems Likely, McDavid Wins MVP, Hockey Operations Updates

The 2026 NHL Draft, as well as free agency, continue to inch closer as June rolls along. This is the time of year where more speculation arises, more rumours spread, and teams begin to start making moves to improve their lineup. For the Edmonton Oilers, that remains true for them, and in this edition of Oilers News and Rumours, we take a look at everything that seems to be going on with them.

First, Darnell Nurse seems to be on his way out of Edmonton. Second, Connor McDavid won another award to add to his collection. Finally, we take a quick look at the changes in their hockey operations department.

Darnell Nurse & Oilers Headed Towards Breakup

In a recent bombshell article from Mark Spector, it was revealed that the Oilers and Nurse seem to be headed towards a breakup with longtime Oilers defenseman Darnell Nurse.

Spector wrote, “The clock is ticking on the veteran defenceman’s time in Edmonton, with Nurse holding all the cards for one more season before his current no-trade clause morphs into a 10-team list to which he can dealt.”

It was made very clear by Spector that the Oilers would prefer to trade Nurse, writing, “The Oilers are ready and willing to trade Nurse as soon as they are able.”

In another surprising report, Spector mentioned that there were discussions about healthy scratching Nurse in the Stanley Cup Final, writing, “There were discussions around healthy-scratching Nurse during the 2024 Final, when the Florida Panthers defeated Edmonton 2-1 in Game 7, Sportsnet has learned.”

It seems as though the Oilers are looking to get out from underneath Nurse’s $9.25 million cap hit to make room for some upgrades around their lineup, and move on from him after a tough showing over the past couple of seasons.

Connor McDavid Wins Ted Lindsay Award

Connor McDavid was awarded the Ted Lindsay Award, which is awarded to the most valuable player as selected by the NHLPA.

McDavid’s family and friends surprised him with the trophy on the golf course.

This is the fifth time he has won the award.

Connor, you're gonna need a bigger trophy case. 😳 #NHLAwards pic.twitter.com/qTjRqAcavN

— NHL (@NHL) June 7, 2026

On winning the award, McDavid said, ““This award, coming from the guys that you play against every single night and battle against every single night, to have them recognize me with an award like this, means so much.”

Oilers Make Hockey Operations Changes

On May 28th, the Oilers announced several changes to their hockey operations department.

Michael Parkatti was promoted to vice president, analytics and technology. Kirt Hill, Kalle Larsson, and Toby Salmelainen were named assistant general managers. Andreas Karlsson was named director of player development. Justin Mahe was named director of hockey operations and player experience. Michael Chan was named president, general manager, and Western Hockey League (WHL) alternate governor with the Edmonton Oil Kings. Lastly, Jamie Jackson was name director of scouting for the Oil Kings.

Oilers’ general manager Stan Bowman on the changes, stated, “We are pleased to be announcing these important promotions and updates today.” He continued, “These talented individuals represent our continued efforts over the past number of months to improve our scouting, player development, hockey analytics and player services departments. Each of these areas is equally critical to our success now and in years to come, as is our increased focus on Europe as a growing source of exceptional hockey talent.”

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