NHL rumors: Connor McDavid's fondness keeping $74,000,000 Oilers D-man safe from trade block

Connor McDavid's long-time teammate, Darnell Nurse, has been one of the most scrutinized players in the league. It is largely due to his inconsistent performance and a massive eight-year, $74 million contract that many argue does not align with his on-ice output.

According to NHL insider David Pagnotta of "The Fourth Period," the primary reason Nurse has avoided the trade block is Connor McDavid’s strong personal fondness for the 30-year-old blueliner.

"He's got full trade protection, and the captain really likes him; there are multiple factors that are gonna be involved here; I haven't heard anything concrete with respect to that," Pagnotta said via The Sheet.

Darnell Nurse has notched 10 points through five goals and as many assists in 24 games this season. He has posted a plus-minus of -8.

Connor McDavid's Oilers end three-game losing streak with a win over Panthers

On Saturday, the Edmonton Oilers ended their three-game losing streak after defeating the Florida Panthers 6-3 at Amerant Bank Arena. The Oilers improved their record to 10-9-5, currently sitting sixth in the Pacific Division.

Jack Roslovic opened the scoring for the Oilers, giving them a 1-0 lead just 25 seconds into the first period. Anton Lundell tied it 1-1 for the Panthers at 6:30. Roslovic scored his second of the night to make it 2-1 at 7:06. Mattias Ekholm increased the lead to 3-1 before the end of the first period.

Vasily Podkolzin made it 4-1 at 6:45 of the third period. The Panthers stormed back with two goals in three minutes: Mackie Samoskevich and Sam Reinhart scored to cut the lead to 4-3.

Connor McDavid scored an empty-net goal at 17:20 of the third, making it 5-3. Twenty seconds later, at 17:40, Matt Savoie added another empty-netter for the Oilers to cap the scoring at 6-3.

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