In a significant development for the Edmonton Oilers, defenseman Darnell Nurse has been handed a one-game suspension by the NHL’s Department of Player Safety for cross-checking Los Angeles Kings forward Quinton Byfield during their recent matchup. The incident, which occurred at 14:36 of the second period, was a pivotal moment in the game that ended with the Kings dominating the Oilers 5-0 on April 14, 2025.
Nurse's actions during the game led to a major penalty and a game misconduct, as he delivered a cross-check to Byfield's head while the Kings forward was already down on the ice. This reckless play not only resulted in Nurse's suspension but also left Byfield sidelined for the remainder of the match and the subsequent game against the Seattle Kraken on April 15, 2025. Kings head coach Jim Hiller provided no updates on Byfield's condition, highlighting the uncertainty surrounding the young forward's health.
The NHL's ruling stated that Nurse was "in control throughout the entirety of the sequence" and made a conscious decision to deliver an intentional cross-check. Although the league noted that the hit wasn't delivered with "exceptional force," it still warranted a suspension due to the nature of the contact made with a player lying on the ice.
This marks the fourth suspension of Nurse's career, which spans 716 NHL games. Previously, he faced a three-game suspension in 2016 for instigating an altercation against the San Jose Sharks, a one-game ban for headbutting Kings forward Phillip Danault during the 2022 playoffs, and another one-game suspension in 2023 for instigating a fight against the Vegas Golden Knights.
Despite the suspension, Nurse's contributions this season have been substantial. He has recorded five goals and 33 points, along with a team-leading 136 blocked shots and 161 hits in 76 games, averaging over 22 minutes of ice time per contest. His absence for the Oilers' regular-season finale against the San Jose Sharks on April 17, 2025, is significant, but the good news is that he will be eligible to return for the first game of the Oilers' playoff series against the Kings.
The Oilers have been grappling with injuries to key players, making Nurse's return for the playoffs all the more critical. The team is already set to enter the postseason without defenseman Mattias Ekholm, who has been ruled out due to a lower-body injury. The Oilers and Kings are set to meet in the first round of the Stanley Cup playoffs for the fourth consecutive year, with Edmonton having won the previous three series in 2022, 2023, and 2024.
In a strategic move to bolster their defense, the Oilers recalled Connor Carrick from the AHL on an emergency basis. Carrick could make his debut with the Oilers against the Sharks, marking his first NHL game since April 9, 2023, when he played with the Boston Bruins. Coach Kris Knoblauch is also hopeful about the return of Jake Walman and Troy Stecher, who have both been sidelined due to injuries.
As the Oilers prepare for their final regular-season game, they are also dealing with other injury concerns. Leon Draisaitl and Zach Hyman have been absent from the lineup due to injuries sustained in early April, while Connor McDavid missed the recent game as a precaution after returning from an eight-game absence. The status of Evander Kane remains uncertain, as he has yet to play this season following multiple surgeries.
With the playoffs fast approaching, the Oilers are keen to solidify their roster and ensure they are at full strength for their upcoming series against the Kings. The rivalry between these two teams has intensified, and the stakes have never been higher as they prepare to face off once again in the postseason.
In conclusion, while Darnell Nurse's suspension presents a challenge for the Oilers, the team remains optimistic about their chances in the playoffs. Nurse's return for Game 1 will be crucial as they aim to continue their recent success against the Kings and make a deep run in the postseason.
