January 23, 2025 by Jackie Bondurant

During his 11-year NHL career with the Edmonton Oilers, Darnell Nurse has proven to be a fierce defenseman who grapples with opponents and makes heady plays from the blueline. But what if I told you that he could bring an entirely new level of excitement and effectiveness to the team as a winger?

Let’s face it, Nurse is not just your average defenseman. He’s known for his speed, agility, and ability to cover the ice like a young gazelle, or at least a very fit kangaroo. Imagine him zooming down the wing, leaving defenders in his dust. If he can skate like that while defending, just think of the chaos he could create as a winger. It’d be like watching a cheetah on rollerblades trying to catch a bus. Perhaps a slight exaggeration there, but stay with me.

The Oilers have some serious firepower up front, but adding Nurse to the mix could create a completely new dynamic. Why not let him unleash his inner goal-scorer? Picture this: Nurse charging down the left wing, pulling off a toe-drag, and sniping the puck past the goalie. He’s done it before, so it’s not completely far-fetched to think he could score more of those goals as a forward.

Imagine the bewilderment on opposing teams’ faces when they see Nurse, a defenseman by trade, suddenly trading his blueline for the blue paint in front of the net. They’d be scratching their heads, ‘What’s he doing up here? Why is he standing in front of our goalie? What’s going on?’ It could lead to some hilarious moments, like that time you forgot your pants at a family gathering—awkward, and you don’t know how it happened, but you just roll with it!

One of Nurse’s standout traits is his fearlessness. He’s not just willing to go into the corners – he charges in like he’s got a personal vendetta against the boards. Opponents better watch out when he’s on the ice because he’ll be in there digging for the puck, mixing it up like it’s a game of Twister. You can almost hear Jack Michaels saying ‘and there goes Nurse, diving into the corner like a toddler into a ball pit—completely unbothered and ready for a good time!’

Darnell is known for his physical play, so why not bring that energy to the forwards? Opposing defenders would be taking advice from the late, great Patches O’Houlihan – Dodge, duck, dip, dive and dodge. Except instead of wrenches, it would be 220 pounds of Nurse they’d be dodging. The added physicality on the wing might just make the opposition reconsider their life choices.

The 29-year-old is all about teamwork. Moving him to the wing could allow him to be even more involved in plays, creating offensive opportunities while still being able to contribute defensively when needed. It’s like a buffet where you can have your cake and eat it too! You want him to shoot? Done! You want him to pass? Will do! Need him to defend? Oh wait, he’s still got that covered, too.

While it may seem like a wild idea to switch Nurse from defense to wing, it could just be the fresh twist the Oilers need. With his speed, scoring potential, and fearlessness in the corners and in front of the opposing goalie, he could transform a game in more ways than one. Plus, it would give fans some great stories to tell and maybe even a few laughs along the way. Who knew that the Oilers could have a defensive juggernaut moonlighting as a flamboyant winger? I did, I knew.

Ultimately, whether Nurse remains on the blueline or my dream comes true and he breaks the mold as a winger in his 30s, one thing’s for sure, he’ll keep the excitement alive on the ice.