Oilers legend slams NHL for lack of coverage for Nurse
Trent Geschke calls NHL's treatment of Nurse "shameful"
Nurse has been one of the Oilers' best players this season, but he has received little national attention
EDMONTON, Alta. - Oilers legend Trent Geschke is slamming the NHL for its lack of coverage of Darnell Nurse.
Nurse has been one of the Oilers' best players this season, but he has received little national attention. In fact, he wasn't even named a finalist for the Norris Trophy, which is awarded to the league's top defenceman.
"It's shameful," Geschke said in an interview with Sportsnet. "Darnell Nurse is one of the best defencemen in the league, and he's not getting the recognition he deserves."
Geschke pointed to the fact that Nurse is one of the few players in the league who can play both ends of the ice. He's a physical presence in his own end, and he can also contribute offensively.
"He's a complete player," Geschke said. "He can do it all. He's a leader on and off the ice. He's everything you want in a defenceman."
Geschke said he believes the NHL is overlooking Nurse because he plays for the Oilers. He said the Oilers are not a traditional powerhouse, and they don't get the same coverage as teams like the Toronto Maple Leafs or the Montreal Canadiens.
"It's a shame," Geschke said. "Darnell Nurse is one of the best players in the league, and he deserves to be recognized for it."
Nurse is averaging over 25 minutes of ice time per game this season, and he has 10 goals and 32 assists in 72 games. He is also a plus-22, which is tied for second in the league among defencemen.
Despite his impressive numbers, Nurse was not named a finalist for the Norris Trophy. The three finalists are Cale Makar of the Colorado Avalanche, Victor Hedman of the Tampa Bay Lightning, and Roman Josi of the Nashville Predators.
Geschke said he believes Nurse was snubbed because he plays for the Oilers. He said the Oilers are not a traditional powerhouse, and they don't get the same coverage as teams like the Toronto Maple Leafs or the Montreal Canadiens.
"It's a shame," Geschke said. "Darnell Nurse is one of the best players in the league, and he deserves to be recognized for it."
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