Darnell Nurse was a victim of his own success in 2021 – he could never live up to the massive contract he signed with the Edmonton Oilers after his 16-goal season in the all-Canadian COVID division. 

The truth is, he’s never been that guy, viewing himself as better offensively than he truly was. The mistakes he made were always viewed in light of his contract. The good in his game could never justify the ifs, ands, or buts of his deal, which paid him like a Zach Werenski without getting the two-way play of a No. 1 defenceman. 

So, four years into the $74-million contract, halfway through the deal, the Oilers and Nurse are headed toward a divorce. It isn’t just one-sided anymore, as the news Thursday morning confirms that Nurse agrees it’s time for a fresh start. 

It is time. 

The first major hurdle for general manager Stan Bowman in reshaping the Oilers’ cap situation with their most punitive contract has been cleared. But now........

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