Ryan Nugent-Hopkins Hits 1,000 Games in Style-And Reminds Edmonton Why He’s Still at the Heart of It All
Sunday night in Edmonton wasn’t just another regular-season win-it was a celebration of loyalty, longevity, and leadership. Ryan Nugent-Hopkins, the longest-tenured Oiler, laced up his skates for the 1,000th time in an NHL game, all of them in the blue and orange.
That alone is a rare feat in today’s NHL. But Nugent-Hopkins didn’t just show up-he delivered.
His opening goal set the tone in a commanding 5-0 shutout over the St. Louis Blues, and fittingly, it stood as the game-winner.
For a player who’s quietly been the glue of the franchise for over a decade, the milestone was more than just a number. It was a full-circle moment for someone who’s seen the highs, the lows, and everything in between with this team.
From Dark Days to Brighter Skies
Nugent-Hopkins was candid this week when he reflected on his early years in Edmonton-years that tested the patience of fans and players alike. In an interview on OverDrive, he admitted there were times he wasn’t sure he’d last in Edmonton, let alone become a fixture.
“When I got drafted here, I would talk to my agent and my family about that-that it was kind of the dream to first of all play my whole career in Edmonton, and obviously the big one is to win in Edmonton,” he said. “And then you play your first five-ish years, and you start to see guys going in and out of the lineup and on and off the team. You start to think, well, maybe that’s not going to be a possibility.”
That’s the reality of life in a rebuilding franchise. The early 2010s were a revolving door of players, coaches, and front office changes.
But Nugent-Hopkins stuck it out. And now, at 32, he’s seeing the payoff.
“I was very fortunate to have stuck around through some tougher years, and definitely now we’re on the other side of it. It’s a lot more fun to be on this side than it was for the first few years,” he added.
A Career Year in the Making
Nugent-Hopkins isn’t just a feel-good story-he’s still producing at a high level. Through 42 games this season, he’s posted 40 points (12 goals, 28 assists), continuing to be a key contributor on a team loaded with offensive firepower. He’s in the fifth year of the eight-year, $41 million extension he signed back in 2021, and the deal is aging well.
While Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl grab the headlines-and deservedly so-Nugent-Hopkins is the guy who does everything else. He’s the first over the boards on the power play, a staple on the penalty kill, and a trusted presence in tight games. Coaches lean on him in every situation because they know what they’re going to get: consistency, composure, and a team-first mentality.
The Heart of the Oilers
Make no mistake-this is still McDavid and Draisaitl’s team in terms of star power. But Nugent-Hopkins is the heartbeat.
He’s the guy who’s been through the grind, who’s seen the franchise evolve from perennial lottery pick to Stanley Cup contender. He’s not just a complementary piece-he’s a foundational one.
And while his 1,000th game is a personal milestone, it also serves as a reminder of how far the Oilers have come-and how important it was to have someone like Nugent-Hopkins along for the journey.
Eyes on the Prize
There’s one box left for Nugent-Hopkins to check: a Stanley Cup. That’s been the dream since Day 1, and now, more than ever, it feels within reach. The Oilers are built for a deep run, and if they finally break through, you can bet Nugent-Hopkins will be right in the middle of it-just like he’s always been.
For now, the 1,000-game mark is a moment to celebrate. Not just for the player, but for the franchise and its fans. Because in an era where player movement is constant and loyalty is rare, Ryan Nugent-Hopkins is a reminder that sometimes, sticking it out is worth it.