Despite the emotions of playing against the Oilers after playing his first 12 NHL seasons with them, Nurse said he is only focused on getting good results for his team.
"One of the best things I ever learned from playing in a market like that is to be mentally tough, to just focus on what you can control and let the rest take care of itself," Nurse said after practice Friday. "Just (looking at) the logo, right? You wear the logo for so long, you just look at it.
“It's going to be weird."
Nurse was traded to the Sharks on July 1 for defenseman Shakir Mukhamadullin and forward prospect Zachary Sharp, with the team that drafted him saying a change of scenery was needed.
Selected by the Oilers with the No. 7 pick in the 2013 NHL Draft, Nurse had 324 points (88 goals, 236 assists) in 798 games. He also also had 29 points (seven goals, 22 assists) in 100 Stanley Cup Playoff games, helping Edmonton reach the Stanley Cup Final in 2024 and 2025.
"It's exciting. Obviously, they've got a good team over there. Started well. Some of the best players in the league," Nurse said. "That's a good challenge for us as a team. And as a player, you look forward to matchups like that."
With the Oilers also practicing in San Jose on Friday, Nurse said he was going to visit with his old teammates later.
"I'm (going to catch up with them) tonight. Get one of them to buy me dinner, and then when the game starts tomorrow, all bets are off," Nurse said. "I've got a lot of friends over there too. They'll be lifelong friends. I think you know for me it'll be different for sure, wearing a different jersey and being able to play against that team, but yeah, I'm really looking forward to just the challenge of playing against one of the top teams in our division.
“It'll definitely be different. (You) practice against each other for a long time, so (it’s a chance) to be able to lace up and do it for real."
Nurse has one goal in four games this season for San Jose (3-1-0) heading into the matchup with Edmonton (3-0-1). The goal came 1:03 into overtime, giving the Sharks a 3-2 win at the St. Louis Blues on Thursday.
Sharks coach Ryan Warsofsky spoke highly of his new defenseman and said he’s excited to watch him play against his former team.
"He's been awesome,” Warsofsky said. “Again, great human being first and foremost. Team guy. He is in great shape. Plays, you know, with some snarl and some attitude, but understands what it takes to win at this level. He's been a great addition to our group, on the ice, off the ice, as a leader.
“To have him and his family here and in our organization has been awesome."
