Ryan Nugent-Hopkins Returns, and the Oilers Finally Breathe Again
After three weeks without one of their most reliable two-way players, the Edmonton Oilers got a much-needed boost on Saturday when Ryan Nugent-Hopkins returned to the lineup. And if there were any questions about how much they'd missed him, his performance answered them quickly.
In a game where Edmonton desperately needed structure and stability, Nugent-Hopkins delivered both. He opened the scoring with a power-play goal, added an assist on another man-advantage tally, and anchored a third line that brought poise and purpose to a team that had been spinning its wheels in his absence.
Let’s be clear: the Oilers were in rough shape without him. In the ten games Nugent-Hopkins missed, Edmonton went 4-6 and was outscored 47-28.
That’s not just a cold stretch - that’s a team losing its identity. And when Nugent-Hopkins stepped back into the lineup, it wasn’t just his points that mattered.
It was the way he played the full 200 feet, the way he calmed things down, and the way he made everyone around him a little more comfortable.
A Veteran Presence on the Third Line
Nugent-Hopkins was slotted into the third-line center role alongside veterans Adam Henrique and Mattias Janmark - a trio that might not jump off the page offensively, but one that quietly controlled play. In their minutes together, they outshot Seattle 4-3 and posted a 58% expected goal share. That’s solid, especially considering the Oilers have been bleeding chances and goals in recent weeks.
At even strength, Nugent-Hopkins played 11:22 and helped the Oilers outshoot the Kraken 7-3. On the power play, he logged 1:42 and contributed to both goals scored.
He also put in 4:37 on the penalty kill - all without allowing a goal. It was a performance that reminded everyone why he’s been such a staple for this team since 2011.
His calm feet, smart passing, and defensive awareness were on full display. And that finish on the power-play goal? Vintage Nugent-Hopkins - patient, precise, and clinical.
The Five-on-Five Puzzle
Here’s where things get tricky. Nugent-Hopkins has long been a versatile piece for the Oilers, capable of playing center or wing, on the top line or the third. But in recent years, his five-on-five production - especially when not riding shotgun with Connor McDavid - has dipped.
From 2021 through 2024, the Oilers used him frequently at center without McDavid or Leon Draisaitl, and the results were serviceable: around 50% in goal share. But this season, things have taken a step back.
Edmonton started the year with Nugent-Hopkins in the No. 3 center role, and the team gave up six goals without scoring any in those minutes. That’s a red flag.
The challenge now is clear: can Nugent-Hopkins drive a line without elite offensive talent around him? Based on recent performances, there’s hope.
The Henrique-Janmark-Nugent-Hopkins trio has outshot opponents 8-4 over the last two games. They haven’t found the back of the net yet, but they’re trending in the right direction.
Old Linemates, New Role
When Nugent-Hopkins was putting up better five-on-five numbers a few years ago, his linemates generally fell into two camps: defensively responsible veterans or promising young wingers like Warren Foegele and Klim Kostin. It wasn’t about star power - it was about chemistry and balance.
Now, with Henrique and Janmark, he’s back in that familiar role: the steady veteran trying to make things work with experienced, lower-ceiling teammates. It’s not flashy, but it can be effective - especially if they continue to control play like they have in their limited time together.
Why Not Just Put Him with McDavid?
It’s a fair question. When Nugent-Hopkins plays with McDavid, the numbers are excellent.
Since the start of the 2023-24 season, that combo has scored 3.48 goals per 60 minutes at five-on-five, with a 57% goal share. Without McDavid, Nugent-Hopkins is down to 2.11 goals per 60 and a 46% share.
So why not reunite them?
Right now, the Oilers are giving rookie Matt Savoie a look on the top line. The idea is to spread the offense across three lines, and while Savoie hasn’t exactly lit it up (47% goal share, 1.66 points per 60), the team seems committed to letting him find his game next to McDavid.
That could change quickly. Head coach Kris Knoblauch has shown he’s willing to adjust on the fly, and if Savoie’s struggles continue, Nugent-Hopkins could easily slide back onto the top line.
But the ideal scenario? Nugent-Hopkins makes the third line a legitimate threat, giving the Oilers a more balanced attack - something they’ve lacked for years.
Still Got It
There’s been some talk about whether Nugent-Hopkins is slowing down, but the data suggests otherwise. According to NHL Edge, his top skating speed this season ranks in the 86th percentile - the best of his career since tracking began. That’s not what you’d expect from a 12-year vet, but it’s a welcome surprise.
He’s still a power-play weapon, too. In limited minutes this season, he’s averaging 12.38 points per 60 with the man advantage - elite production, even in a small sample.
At five-on-five, he’s more of a complementary piece. He’s only topped 2.00 points per 60 twice in his career, and this year he’s at 1.61 - up from 1.24 last season.
That’s not game-breaking, but it’s solid. And his real value comes from outscoring - between 2021 and 2025, he’s posted a 54% goal share at five-on-five.
That’s the kind of quiet effectiveness that wins games.
And let’s not forget the penalty kill. Nugent-Hopkins has been a mainstay there since his third NHL season, and he remains one of the Oilers’ most trusted players when down a man.
The Minnesota Game: A Glimpse of What Could Be
In Tuesday’s 1-0 loss to the Wild, the third line stayed intact. And while the Oilers didn’t score, the trio of Nugent-Hopkins, Henrique, and Janmark outshot Minnesota 4-1 in just under six minutes together. Nugent-Hopkins and Henrique each had three shots, and Henrique generated a pair of high-danger looks.
Meanwhile, the McDavid-Savoie line had its chances - three high-danger opportunities - but couldn’t convert.
The takeaway? The third line is doing its job.
They’re controlling play, generating chances, and not giving up much. If they start finishing, the Oilers suddenly become a three-line team - something that could make a huge difference down the stretch.
What Comes Next
The coaching staff is asking a lot of Nugent-Hopkins. He’s being asked to anchor a line that doesn’t have elite finishers, to suppress goals against, and to chip in offensively - all while continuing to play big minutes on the power play and penalty kill.
It’s a tall order. But if his skating is holding up and his defensive game remains sharp, he might just be the glue that holds this forward group together.
If Savoie doesn’t find his scoring touch soon, there’s always the option to reunite Nugent-Hopkins with McDavid and Hyman. But for now, the Oilers are betting on balance. And if Nugent-Hopkins can turn that third line into a net-positive unit at five-on-five, it might be the most valuable role he’s played in years.