Darnell Nurse named Oilers nominee for the King Clancy Memorial Trophy

In a season filled with on-ice heroics and off-ice impact, Darnell Nurse stands tall as the Edmonton Oilers’ nominee for the King Clancy Memorial Award. This honour goes to the player who “best exemplifies leadership qualities on and off the ice and has made a noteworthy humanitarian contribution in his community.” For Nurse, this nomination is a testament to his commitment to excellence both as a player and as a pillar in the greater Edmonton community.

Through the first 80 games played this season, Nurse has had an up-and-down campaign, but we never question the fact that he gives it his all. A staple on the Oilers’ back end, Nurse has also contributed reasonably well offensively, with 10 goals and 22 assists, totalling 32 points. With 79 penalty minutes, Nurse also isn’t afraid to mix it up physically, leading by example with his tenacity and grit on the ice. But his impact extends far beyond the stat sheet.

While one can debate what happens on the ice, it’s Nurse’s off-ice contributions that truly set him apart. Often visible in the Edmonton community, Nurse has dedicated countless hours to various charitable endeavours, making a tangible difference in the lives of those in need. Whether it’s visiting local hospitals, participating in youth hockey clinics, or supporting initiatives aimed at tackling social issues, Nurse consistently goes above and beyond when it comes to giving back.

Even with the demands of a rigorous NHL schedule, Nurse has remained deeply invested in the community and always understands the profound impact that athletes can have as role models. His dedication to making a positive difference serves as an inspiration to his teammates and fans alike, embodying the spirit of the King Clancy Memorial Award.

On the ice, Nurse’s contributions are undeniable, averaging 21:53 of ice time per game and boasting a solid +5 rating. But it’s his leadership qualities and humanitarian efforts that truly define him as a deserving nominee for the King Clancy Memorial Award.

As the Oilers look to wrap up the 2023-24 season and push their way through the playoffs, Nurse’s nomination serves as a reminder of the importance of character and integrity in the world of sports. Whether he’s patrolling the blue line or lending a helping hand to those in need, Darnell Nurse exemplifies the true essence of a leader, making him a worthy candidate for this esteemed accolade.

The winner is chosen by select members of the Professional Hockey Writers Association and the NHL Broadcasters’ Association.

The 2023-24 King Clancy Memorial Trophy nominees are:

Anaheim Ducks: Cam Fowler
Arizona Coyotes: Nick Bjugstad
Boston Bruins: Linus Ullmark
Buffalo Sabres: Alex Tuch
Calgary Flames: Andrew Mangiapane
Carolina Hurricanes: Jaccob Slavin
Chicago Blackhawks: Connor Murphy
Colorado Avalanche: Cale Makar
Columbus Blue Jackets: Zach Werenski
Dallas Stars: Jake Oettinger
Detroit Red Wings: Dylan Larkin
Edmonton Oilers: Darnell Nurse
Florida Panthers: Aleksander Barkov
Los Angeles Kings: Kevin Fiala
Minnesota Wild: Marc-Andre Fleury
Montreal Canadiens: Nick Suzuki
Nashville Predators: Roman Josi
New Jersey Devils: Jack Hughes
New York Islanders: Anders Lee
New York Rangers: Jacob Trouba
Ottawa Senators: Brady Tkachuk
Philadelphia Flyers: Scott Laughton
Pittsburgh Penguins: Bryan Rust
San Jose Sharks: Luke Kunin
Seattle Kraken: Jaden Schwartz
St. Louis Blues: Brayden Schenn
Tampa Bay Lightning: Nicholas Paul
Toronto Maple Leafs: Auston Matthews
Vancouver Canucks: Quinn Hughes
Vegas Golden Knights: Jack Eichel
Washington Capitals: Tom Wilson
Winnipeg Jets: Josh Morrissey

NURSE’S 2023-24 CAMPAIGN SO FAR