Ryan Nugent-Hopkins at 1,000 Games: The Quiet Constant in Edmonton’s Wild Ride
Back in the summer of 2011, Oilers fans were buzzing about their latest No. 1 overall pick. Ryan Nugent-Hopkins had just been selected first overall in the NHL Draft, and while the talent was clear, questions lingered-especially about his size and whether his skating would hold up against the physically demanding Western Conference centers like Anze Kopitar.
At 6-foot-1 and a listed 170 pounds, he didn’t exactly look like a bruiser. But what he lacked in bulk, he made up for in hockey IQ, edge work, and vision.
Fast forward to today, and Nugent-Hopkins has more than answered the doubters. He’s not just survived the NHL grind-he’s thrived in it.
Now past the 1,000-game mark, he’s become one of the most respected and reliable players in the league. A leader in the Oilers’ locker room, a fan favorite, and a player whose subtle brilliance often flies under the radar.
From Rookie to Role Model
Nugent-Hopkins entered the NHL during a transitional time for the Oilers. The roster was a mix of fading veterans and unproven youth.
As an 18-year-old rookie, he was immediately thrown into the fire. He went toe-to-toe with some of the league’s best, including a then-prime Kopitar, logging 14 even-strength minutes against him.
The Oilers didn’t win the goal battle in that stretch, but they did win the shot share-no small feat for a teenager adjusting to the NHL pace.
From the jump, Nugent-Hopkins showed he could hang.
Chemistry with Hall, Then Draisaitl and Yamamoto
Over the years, Nugent-Hopkins has found chemistry with a variety of linemates. During his early seasons, he and Taylor Hall formed a productive duo.
Over five seasons together, they logged nearly 2,300 minutes at five-on-five and outscored opponents 103-93. Considering the state of the team during those years, that 53 percent goal share is impressive.
Their line generated 2.72 goals per 60 minutes-strong production on a team that often struggled to generate offense.
Then came the 2019-20 season, when Nugent-Hopkins found himself alongside Leon Draisaitl and Kailer Yamamoto. That trio was electric.
From January to the pandemic-shortened season’s end, they were arguably the most dangerous line in hockey. In 318 minutes together, they outscored opponents 28-8 at five-on-five-a blistering 5.29 goals per 60.
Power Play Maestro
Nugent-Hopkins has long been a staple on Edmonton’s lethal power play. Early in his career, he earned the nickname “power-play witch” for his ability to orchestrate with poise and precision.
It wasn’t just flash-it was substance. Across nearly 3,000 power-play minutes, he’s averaged 6.06 points per 60.
That’s elite territory.
And when paired with Connor McDavid? The numbers jump even higher.
Since McDavid’s arrival in 2015, the two have shared 1,858 minutes on the man advantage. Nugent-Hopkins has racked up 209 points in that span-good for 6.74 points per 60.
That’s the kind of production that makes penalty kills sweat.
At even strength, his numbers with McDavid are a bit more modest-2.19 points per 60 over 2,745 minutes-but that’s largely because Nugent-Hopkins has often been tasked with more of a two-way role. He’s the guy who gets plugged into whatever spot needs stabilizing.
First-line winger? Check.
Shutdown center? Check.
Penalty killer? Power-play quarterback?
He does it all.
A Two-Way Force
Nugent-Hopkins’ value goes beyond the box score. He’s a 200-foot player in every sense.
He’s been killing penalties since his third NHL season, and he’s often the guy who gets the tough matchups against top lines. He’s a cerebral player who reads the game a step ahead and rarely makes the wrong play.
He doesn’t rely on flash or flair-he relies on positioning, anticipation, and relentless effort.
He’s also the kind of player who can disappear in the best way possible-doing the little things that don’t always show up on the highlight reel but are essential to winning hockey. He doesn’t need the spotlight, but he’s often the reason it shines on others.
The Numbers Behind the Legacy
There are some quirky stats that add color to Nugent-Hopkins’ career. He’s a career plus-19 against Western Conference teams but minus-37 versus the East.
He finished second in Calder Trophy voting in 2011, narrowly missing out on becoming the first Oiler to win the award. He’s had a few brushes with awards voting since then-24th in Selke voting in 2019-20, and 29th in both Selke and Lady Byng in 2022-23-but his game has never been about individual accolades.
Instead, his legacy is built on consistency, adaptability, and loyalty.
One of Edmonton’s Own
Nugent-Hopkins is now the longest-serving member of the Oilers, a stabilizing presence through a decade and a half of change. He’s played under nine head coaches and seven general managers. He’s seen the team at its lowest and helped guide it back to relevance.
He’s within striking distance of franchise records, just 37 games behind Kevin Lowe for most games played in Oilers history. And if he keeps producing, he’ll likely join McDavid and Draisaitl among the top five scorers in franchise history.
Among fans, there’s a growing sentiment that if McDavid ever hoists the Stanley Cup, the first person he should hand it to is Nugent-Hopkins. Not just because of his tenure, but because of what he represents: perseverance, professionalism, and pride in the Oilers crest.
Always in the Play
What stands out most about Nugent-Hopkins isn’t a single goal or moment-it’s the way he plays the game. He’s always around the puck.
Always in the right spot. He doesn’t take giant loops around the zone; he stops, starts, and stays engaged.
His skating, once questioned, has become a strength. He’s in the 82nd percentile in foot speed-proof that the early scouting reports were right to bet on his edge work and agility.
He’s the kind of player who cheats for defense, not offense. The kind of player who makes the right play, not the risky one. In many ways, he’s a throwback-more Dave Keon than Connor Bedard-but in today’s NHL, that kind of reliability is gold.
The Final Chapter?
There’s still plenty of hockey left in Ryan Nugent-Hopkins, but whenever the final chapter is written, it’s likely to be a fitting one. A Stanley Cup would be the crowning achievement for a player who’s given everything to the Oilers. And if he finishes his career having played every game in Edmonton, he’ll be the first truly great Oiler to do so.
He may not always be the loudest voice or the flashiest player, but make no mistake-Ryan Nugent-Hopkins is one of the pillars of this era of Oilers hockey. And as his journey continues, he’s earned every bit of the respect he now commands.