Edmonton Oilers defenseman Darnell Nurse has been suspended for one game following a dangerous cross-check against Los Angeles Kings forward Quinton Byfield. The incident occurred during a recent game, leading to Nurse missing the Oilers' regular-season finale. Despite this setback, he will be eligible to return for the playoffs as the Oilers prepare for their first-round matchup against the Kings. Nurse has a history of suspensions and fines that underscore the impact of his physical style of play.

The NHL Department of Player Safety determined that Nurse delivered an intentional cross-check to Byfield's head while he was on the ice, meriting supplemental discipline. The nature of the incident, along with Nurse’s disciplinary history, played a pivotal role in the decision to impose a suspension. Nurse’s absence is particularly critical for the Oilers as they enter the playoffs, given that fellow defenseman Mattias Ekholm will also be unavailable.