The Battle to Partner with Darnell Nurse on the Edmonton Oilers’ Blue Line
At the Edmonton Oilers’ training camp, one of the most crucial battles is to earn the spot next to Darnell Nurse on the second pair of the blue line. Currently, Ty Emberson is leading the race for that position, but there are some complications to consider.
Fluidity and Adaptability
Coach Kris Knoblauch acknowledges that the situation could be fluid, stating, “We hope we can find somebody who can really take off in that position. That’s the idea. But there are going to be injuries. There are going to be changes. We’d like a regular partner, but we’re not setting anything in stone.”
Ty Emberson’s Opportunity
Despite having just 30 NHL games under his belt, Emberson is getting the first opportunity to play alongside Nurse on the right side. All of Emberson’s NHL experience came during the injury-plagued 2023-24 season as a rookie. In August, he was traded to the Oilers from the San Jose Sharks in exchange for Cody Ceci, Nurse’s former partner.
Nurse’s Injury
Nurse is currently limited to practice due to an undisclosed injury. Although the specifics of the injury are unknown, Nurse sustained it during Game 2 of the Stanley Cup Final after being checked by Florida Panthers winger Evan Rodrigues. Nurse played through the injury for the remainder of the series but is now managing it during the preseason. While Nurse is uncertain if he’ll play any exhibition games, Knoblauch expects him to suit up for at least a couple before the regular season opener against the Winnipeg Jets on October 9.
Developing Chemistry Without Game Action
The lack of game action together may initially seem less than ideal for Nurse and potential defensive partners. However, both Knoblauch and Nurse downplay the significance of this issue. Knoblauch believes that the importance of developing chemistry through games is overrated, stating, “We get more than enough reps in practice.” Nurse emphasizes the importance of communication in building chemistry, saying, “When you communicate early, you can have that second sense of where your partner’s going to be.”
The Challenge of Replacing Cody Ceci
Nurse’s previous partner, Cody Ceci, played a significant role in the Oilers’ defensive lineup. From January 2022 to the end of the 2023-24 season, Nurse and Ceci spent 2,556 five-on-five minutes together, which was the sixth-most of any NHL pairing during that period. Nurse spent 85 percent of his five-on-five ice time in the 2023-24 regular season with Ceci. Furthermore, Nurse’s secondary partner, Vincent Desharnais, signed with the Vancouver Canucks, and Philip Broberg, who played alongside Nurse in the final, is now with the St. Louis Blues.
Finding a Solution
General Manager Stan Bowman acknowledges that the Oilers need to sort out the right side of their defense behind Evan Bouchard. He expects Emberson, Josh Brown (signed on July 1), and Troy Stecher (retained from last season) to be factors for the team. Travis Dermott, a left-handed defenseman who can play on the right side, is also at camp on a tryout. With the possibility of in-season trades to bolster the position, Nurse may have multiple defense partners in the coming weeks and months.
Ty Emberson’s Opportunity and Responsibility
Currently, it is Ty Emberson who has the chance to stake his claim as Nurse’s top-four partner. Emberson recognizes the significance of this opportunity, stating, “It’s an unreal opportunity for me.” However, he also acknowledges the pressure that comes with being on a team that was a victory away from winning the Stanley Cup. Additionally, Emberson has a limited NHL track record due to various ailments and a lower-body laceration that ended his season in February. Nevertheless, he is confident in his game and excited about the chance to prove himself.
Emberson’s Strengths
Coach Knoblauch highlights Emberson’s defending, mobility, skating prowess, and puck-moving abilities as his strengths. Emberson’s familiarity with Knoblauch, whom he played for during the 2022-23 season in the AHL, should also work in his favor. Knoblauch has seen Emberson’s development and hopes he can continue to build off that progress.
Looking Ahead
Ultimately, the battle for the spot next to Darnell Nurse on the Edmonton Oilers’ blue line is ongoing. While Ty Emberson currently has the upper hand, the position is far from set in stone. With the potential for injuries, changes, and in-season trades, Nurse may have to adapt to different defensive partners throughout the season. The Oilers’ coaching staff and management will continue to evaluate the options and make adjustments as necessary.