Rise to Success: Career Highlights of Darnell Nurse

By Popular Timelines Editorial Team · Updated: June 13, 2025

Discover the career path of Darnell Nurse, from the first major opportunity to industry-changing achievements.

Darnell Nurse is a Canadian professional ice hockey defenceman currently playing for the Edmonton Oilers in the NHL, where he also serves as an alternate captain. He was drafted by the Oilers as the seventh overall pick in the 2013 NHL Entry Draft. Nurse is a key player on the Oilers' defense, known for his size, skating ability, and physical play.

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Full Timeline Career & Achievements

2011: Drafted by the Sault Ste. Marie Greyhounds

In 2011, Darnell Nurse was selected third overall by the Sault Ste. Marie Greyhounds in the Ontario Hockey League (OHL) Priority Selection.

2013: Invited to CHL Top Prospects Game

In 2013, Darnell Nurse was an invited participant at the CHL Top Prospects Game.

2013: Signed Entry-Level Contract with Oilers

In 2013, Darnell Nurse was selected seventh overall by the Edmonton Oilers in the NHL entry draft and on July 25, he signed a three-year, entry-level contract with them. He was then returned to the Greyhounds for the 2013–14 season and named team captain.

2013: Drafted by the Oilers

In 2013, Darnell Nurse was selected seventh overall by the Edmonton Oilers in the NHL entry draft.

2014: NHL Debut and Return to Greyhounds

In 2014, Darnell Nurse made the Oilers' opening night roster and his NHL debut on October 14. However, after two games, he was sent back to the Greyhounds on October 17.

2015: Began season with Bakersfield Condors, recalled to Oilers

In 2015, Darnell Nurse began the season with the Oilers' new AHL affiliate, the Bakersfield Condors and after six games, the Oilers recalled Nurse on October 26.

April 12, 2018: Named to Team Canada's World Championship Roster

On April 12, 2018, Darnell Nurse and teammates Connor McDavid and Ryan Nugent-Hopkins were named to Team Canada's 2018 IIHF World Championship roster.

September 17, 2018: Signed Contract Extension with Oilers

On September 17, 2018, the Oilers re-signed Darnell Nurse to a two-year, $6.4 million contract extension.

April 29, 2019: Named to Team Canada for World Championship

On April 29, 2019, Darnell Nurse was named to Team Canada roster for the 2019 IIHF World Championship held in Slovakia.

May 26, 2019: Won Silver Medal at World Championship

On May 26, 2019, Darnell Nurse helped Canada progress through to the playoff rounds before losing the final to Finland to finish with the Silver Medal at the 2019 IIHF World Championship. He completed the tournament posting 2 goals and 4 points from the blueline in 10 games.