Big problem for the Edmonton Oilers top-six ahead of the playoffs
Photo credit: Imagn Images
Ryan Nugent-Hopkins is having one of the most challenging seasons of his career with the Edmonton Oilers.
According to Jason Gregor of OilersNation, the forward is on pace for his least productive season in five-on-five play by averaging only 0.98 points per 60 minutes.
At even strength he has a significant drop from his career-best 2022-23 season where he recorded 104 points and includes 37 goals and 67 assists.
On 1st Colorado goal, Connor was free to take the puck to the net unchallenged because of a massive hook by Rantinen on Ryan Nugent-Hopkins.
While points aren't the only measure of a player's impact, the Oilers expect more from Nugent-Hopkins since he is given the offensive opportunities created by spending 62% of his ice time with superstars Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl.
Nugent-Hopkins' struggles are part of a bigger challenge for the Oilers who are under pressure to perform in a highly competitive Pacific Division.
The team has relied on their offensive depth to support McDavid and Draisaitl, but Nugent-Hopkins' difficulties has added pressure to the Oilers'.
Despite his current struggles, «Nuge» remains a fan favorite and a respected leader in the locker room and he is one of the last remaining players from the Taylor Hall era.
Stuart Skinner even admired Nugent-Hopkins.
«He's been my favourite player ever since I was a young buck.» Stuart Skinner on Ryan Nugent-Hopkins
The only thing is if his production doesn't improve until the end of the season, the Oilers may be forced to reconsider his role in their top-six.
| POLL | ||
JANVIER 24 | 234 ANSWERS Big problem for the Edmonton Oilers top-six ahead of the playoffs Do you think Ryan Nugent-Hopkins is still a top-six player in the NHL? | ||
| Yes | 208 | 88.9 % |
| No | 26 | 11.1 % |
| List of polls | ||
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