NHL Roundup: Defensemen Darnell Nurse; Adam Pelech cash in, and much more

Darnell Nurse
Apr 26, 2021; Winnipeg, Manitoba, CAN; Edmonton Oilers defenseman Darnell Nurse (25) puck juggles in warm up before a game against the Winnipeg Jets at Bell MTS Place. Mandatory Credit: James Carey Lauder-USA TODAY Sports

This appears to be the offseason for defensemen as they continue to cash in big-time. From Cale Makar to Seth Jones, d-men are getting paid., Yesterday, there were several more.

NHL Roundup: Darnell Nurse signs for max term

The Edmonton Oilers signed defenseman Darnell Nurse to an eight-year, $74 million contract extension Friday. His deal begins with the 2022-23 season and carries an average annual value of $9.25 million.

Nurse, 26, tallied 36 points (career-high 16 goals, 20 assists) in 56 games last season, his seventh season with the Oilers. He led all NHL blueliners with 15 even-strength goals.

This is the second eight-year contract for an Oilers player since the end of the 2020-21 season. Forward Ryan Nugent-Hopkins signed an eight-year, $41 million extension on June 29.

Islanders sign Adam Pelech for 8 years

nhl roundup
Bob DeChiara-USA TODAY Sports

The New York Islanders on Friday agreed to terms on an eight-year contract with restricted free agent defenseman Adam Pelech. It was an important move for a team that prides itself on strong defensive hockey.

Financial terms were not disclosed by the Islanders, however multiple media outlets reported the deal was worth $46 million with an AAV of $5.75 million.

Pelech recorded 14 points (four goals, 10 assists) in 56 games last season. He added five points (one goal, four assists) in 19 playoff games for the Islanders, who advanced to the Stanley Cup semifinals before falling to the Tampa Bay Lightning.

Pelech, who turns 27 later this month, previous played under a four-year contract worth $6.4 million.

Kraken sign Vince Dunn

The Seattle Kraken announced on Friday a new two-year deal worth $8 million for defenseman Vince Dunn. Both sides will avoid arbitration. The contract has a $4M AAV.

Dunn, 24, scored 6 goals and 14 assists for 20 points in 43 contests last season. In his young career, he’s totaled 102 points in 267 games.

“Vince is a mobile, puck-moving defenseman that can help generate offense from our blueline,” GM Ron Francis said in a statement. “He’s a smooth skater that helps drive possession and plays a physical game.”

Rangers announce 3 minor signings


The New York Rangers made the three following signings official today. Goalie, Adam Huska and forwards, Tim Gettinger and Ty Ronning were inked to new deals.

Per a team release:

New York Rangers President and General Manager Chris Drury announced today that the team has agreed to terms with restricted free agent forward Tim Gettinger on a one-year contract, restricted free agent goaltender Adam Huska on a one-year contract, and restricted free agent forward Ty Ronning on a one-year contract.

-Field Level Media contributed to this article.

Anthony Scultore is the founder of Forever Blueshirts and has been covering the New York Rangers and the NHL... More about Anthony Scultore

Mentioned in this article:

More About: