The Edmonton Oilers have come to an agreement with restricted free agent Darnell Nurse on a new deal.
The 23-year-old defenceman has inked a two year contract worth $3.2 million per season.
READ MORE: Edmonton Oilers GM Peter Chiarelli hoping new players can fill defensive voids
Nurse played in all 82 games for the Oilers last season. He recorded 26 points, six goals and was +15. The numbers were all career highs for the young blueliner, but the Oilers were never a factor in the playoff race.
“I think we’re reminded every day of how last year went,” he said. “We definitely want to have a big step this year. We want to have a big step as a team.
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“It’s exciting for me to get back on the ice and I know we’re capable of a lot better than last year.”
Nurse said he wouldn’t participate in training camp without a new contact. He flew back to Toronto Wednesday night on the eve of camp.
“It was a matter of time,” Nurse said. “At first, I thought it would be done before camp, and then once camp started, it probably went a little faster. I was losing my mind a little bit sitting at home and not being on the ice.”
LISTEN BELOW: Darnell Nurse on 630 CHED’s Oilers Now
The new deal is viewed as a “bridge contact” to a longer, more lucrative deal.
READ MORE: Darnell Nurse skating, waiting for new deal with Edmonton Oilers
The Oilers started training camp last week and will be play their first pre-season game Monday night against the Calgary Flames.
Coverage of the game starts live on 630 CHED at 5:30 p.m.