Darnell Nurse is gone, but Mike Babcock inherits a fresh contract debate around the Edmonton Oilers.
A viral ranking of the NHL's worst contracts left Nurse off the board while placing three current or former Oilers inside the top eight. Edmonton fans immediately pushed back.
The timing drove the reaction. Nurse now carries a $9,250,000 cap hit with the San Jose Sharks, yet his departure apparently removed him from the ranking altogether.
Trent Frederic landed sixth after signing for 7 years at a $3,900,000 average annual value. That deal carries risk, but the number hardly belongs beside the NHL's richest commitments.
Jake Walman followed in seventh at 7 years and $7,000,000 annually. His contract creates a heavier long-term bet, especially for a blue line already carrying major money.
Brett Kulak was ranked eighth with 5 years remaining at a $4,500,000 average annual value. The graphic identified him with Colorado, extending the Edmonton connection running through the list.
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The Oilers solved one problem with Darnell Nurse-another contract disaster just emerged
The backlash wasn't subtle. One Oilers account argued that Nurse disappearing while Frederic and Walman suddenly appeared exposed a major flaw in the exercise.
That criticism has weight. A trade changes the team responsible for a contract, but it doesn't instantly change the player's performance, age curve or value against the cap.
Frederic's placement drew the sharpest response. His deal stretches deep into the future, yet the annual cost leaves Edmonton room to use him across the bottom six without demanding top-line production.
Walman faces a different standard. At $7,000,000 per season, he'll be judged as a core defender expected to move pucks, handle difficult matchups and support the power play.
Kulak's inclusion also raised eyebrows because his cap charge sits in a range regularly paid to dependable second-pair defenders. His ranking suggests the term, rather than the annual figure, drove the concern.
For Babcock, the real issue isn't an online graphic. It's finding roles that allow Edmonton's long-term commitments to produce value when the games tighten and every shift carries more pressure.
Nurse's exit may have moved one contract off Edmonton's books, but it hasn't ended the debate. The Oilers remain one of the league's most closely examined teams whenever term, cap space and roster balance collide.
Does Trent Frederic belong among the NHL's worst contracts?
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