OILERS

EDMONTON

After DARNELL NURSE led Edmonton defensemen in scoring (27 points) and ranked a close second to Oscar Klefbom in average ice time (22:15), the case could be made the Oilers should lock him up to a maximum-term deal with a decent pay day, certainly well north of $4 million. But Edmonton already has four blueliners on the books the next three-plus seasons making $4 million or more. And the Oilers badly need a point-producing rearguard who can add sizzle to the power play. So where does that leave 23-year-old RFA Nurse? Probably stuck on a one- or two-year bridge deal until the Oilers can shed some excess weight.