Nurse and Stecher Reunite on Defense

Defenseman Darnell Nurse will take the ice alongside Troy Stecher with the Edmonton Oilers in their exhibition game on Friday. The duo spent the majority of the 2024-25 season paired together, logging 470:23 of total ice time across 61 games, according to Natural Stat Trick.

“He’s a pitbull. He goes out there and he works each and every day. He’s probably the hardest-working guy on the ice. Each practice we have, whether it’s morning skate or not, you always know where he’s going to be. He always knows he’s going to bring 100 percent of his effort, and he’s a lot of fun to play with.”

Darnell Nurse on his partnership with Troy Stecher

Edmonton’s Youth Shines on Forwards Lines

The Oilers’ top two forward lines will showcase youth, with rookies Isaac Howard and Matt Savoie pushing for opening night roster spots. Nurse believes these young players bring a lively energy to the locker room that keeps the team motivated throughout the season.

Rookies Bring Enthusiasm and Motivation

Nurse praises the enthusiasm and energy that young players bring to the team, stating that it motivates veterans. “The life, the juice that they bring to the rink; the smiles, the emotion, the enthusiasm, that just helps the group. It’s infectious. So when you have some of that, the young blood in your lineup and in your room, it spreads throughout,” he said.