Elliotte Friedman calls Darnell Nurse a bottom-pairing defenseman

Elliotte Friedman on Sportsnet dropped a hot take, calling Edmonton Oilers defenseman Darnell Nurse a bottom-pairing defenseman right on national TV.

Last August, Ken Holland locked in Nurse with a massive eight-year deal worth $74 million and $9.5 million per season.

Drafted back in 2013 at seventh overall, he's been feeling the heat, especially after a slight slump in the 2023-24 season. Nurse hit the ice in 2014 and has 192 points over 477 games, boasting a +38 rating in his first eight seasons.

Yet he's tallied just 29 points in 2023-24, accompanied by a plus-3 rating�quite a drop from his 43 points and plus-26 rating the previous season.

Oilers fans are noticing, and they're not holding back on Twitter either.

Sure, Nurse is a solid player, yet with that hefty contract hanging over his head and expectations sky-high, the pressure's on for him to deliver as the playoffs approach. And with that no-movement clause, the Oilers are locked in with him for the long haul, whether they like it or not.

Nov 8  |  By Julien Trekker Tanner Jeannot facing suspension following a dirty hit to the head on Brock Boeser

Nov 8  |  By Samer Dagher Tanner Jeannot ejected following dangerous hit to the head on Brock Boeser

Nov 7  |  By Daniel Lucente Boston Bruins key forward hits the trade block according to insider Kevin Weekes

Nov 7  |  By Graham Montgomery Philadelphia Flyers dress emergency ebug goaltender against the Tampa Bay Lightning in a rare occurrence

Nov 7  |  By Tom Banks Colorado Avalanche captain Gabriel Landeskog's NHL career suffers a major setback

Nov 7  |  By Tom Banks Insider leaks failed Trevor Zegras trade to Canadian team

Nov 7  |  By Tom Banks Connor Bedard reveals what he hates the most about being in the NHL

Nov 7  |  By Tom Banks Flyers head coach John Tortorella reveals why he is scratching his star forward