Edmonton Oilers: The Future of Ryan Nugent-Hopkins
Nearing the All-Star break, Edmonton Oilers Ryan Nugent-Hopkins appeared ready to return to his form. He had points in four of five games in mid-January and was one of the team’s top assets on the forward lines.
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However, he is currently riding a five-game point drought, and again, inconsistency is becoming somewhat of a concern. The 23-year old has just 11 goals and 26 points through 55 games and is on pace for 39 points this season. He is also a minus-11 and is struggling defensively. That would mark yet another lacklustre season for the top-six centre, and is just five points better than his 2015-16 campaign. Mind you, he missed weeks last season due to a broken hand.
Considering Nugent-Hopkins is a top-six player, he needs to produce like one. His stats resemble those of bottom-six and third-line players on other NHL teams. And with 39 points, he cannot be relied upon for decent scoring totals beyond the first line.
Future With the Team
Nugent-Hopkins still has a lot of potential in his career. He has outstanding on-ice vision, and he is still young and up and coming. He has fallen victim to injuries, but considering he hasn’t missed a game this season, that is not a primary concern. What is more concerning is his struggle to make plays, and the struggle to carry his line.
When it comes to his future with the Oilers, Nugent-Hopkins needs to find his stride and stick with it. However, given the team’s need for stablility down the middle, he still has a place with this team. He plays an important role, and usually plays a solid two-way game. However, sooner rather than later, Edmonton needs to see this side of him.
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