Oilers’ Darnell Nurse plays 700th NHL game

“It’s a pretty cool moment,” Nurse said. “I think, every once in a while you have to step back and appreciate some of the moments…lots of highs and lows, but with that said, always dreamed of playing in the NHL. It’s pretty cool to be doing it with this organization and play a game like this in this building.”

It is appropriate that Nurse plays game No. 700 inside the Prudential Center in Newark, as it was the arena where he was taken by the Oilers with the seventh overall pick in the 2013 NHL Draft.

After making his NHL debut during the 2014-15 season, Nurse became a full-time member of the Oilers’ blue line the following season and has been one of the team’s top defenders ever since. While he has been a polarizing figure among Oilers fans, Nurse has also been a key contributor to the team’s success over the past few years.

He is the second Oiler to reach 700 games with the franchise in seven days. Captain Connor McDavid hit the mark last Thursday against the Anaheim Ducks. Nurse is four games behind his superstar teammate, though he is just one game behind Craig MacTavish for 11th all-time in franchise history.

Nurse has been known for his physical game with an offensive touch over his 10 years in the NHL. The Toronto native has scored over 30 points six times, hitting the 40-point mark twice. In his time with the Oilers, Nurse has posted 81 goals and 210 assists for 291 points. He’s also registered 21 points in 72 Stanley Cup Playoff games.