Oilers Navigating Salary Cap Well, But Two Major Contracts Remain Problematic
The Edmonton Oilers have managed their salary cap situation fairly well in recent seasons, especially considering the big-money contracts tied up in their core stars like Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl. With the NHL’s flat cap era easing up and the ceiling expected to rise in the coming years, the Oilers have found ways to build a competitive roster around their elite talent. However, not everything is running smoothly on the financial front.
Two contracts continue to stand out as significant obstacles: Jack Campbell and Darnell Nurse.
Jack Campbell, signed to a five-year, $25 million deal in 2022, has struggled to provide the level of goaltending expected of a $5 million per year netminder. After inconsistent performances and a demotion to the AHL, Campbell’s contract now looms large as potential dead weight on the cap sheet. A buyout or trade (with retained salary) could be options, but both come with drawbacks.
Meanwhile, Darnell Nurse’s $9.25 million AAV contract has become a lightning rod for criticism. While Nurse is a capable top-four defenseman, he hasn’t consistently performed at the elite level his salary demands. With that much cap space tied to one player, it limits flexibility, especially when trying to re-sign younger talent or address depth issues.
Despite these challenges, Edmonton has done well overall—bringing in productive depth pieces on value deals and maximizing their star power. But if they hope to take full advantage of their championship window, addressing these two contracts—either by improving performance or finding cap relief—will be essential in the seasons ahead.
