The 32-year-old forward has been the Edmonton Oilers’ steady presence for over a decade, a first-round pick who never left home. But after 14 seasons and 748 career points, the veteran forward might be facing the biggest role change of his NHL career.
The question isn’t whether he’ll remain valuable to Edmonton, it’s where exactly he’ll fit in a lineup that’s evolved around him.
Is Ryan Nugent-Hopkins Moving to the Edmonton Oilers’ Bottom Six?
Nugent-Hopkins has spent his entire NHL career with Edmonton, playing 959 regular-season games and averaging more than 19 minutes per game. The 32-year-old forward has been an integral part of the Oilers’ top power play unit throughout his tenure.
The British Columbia native reached a significant milestone during the team’s 3-1 victory against the Anaheim Ducks in April 2023, hitting the 100-point mark in his NHL career. That season proved historic for Edmonton, as the trio of Connor McDavid, Nugent-Hopkins, and Leon Draisaitl made the Oilers the first NHL team since the Pittsburgh Penguins of 1995-96 to have three players reach 100 points in the same season.
However, despite these achievements and his illustrious NHL career, the veteran forward could find himself in a different role this season. Nugent-Hopkins struggled offensively during parts of the past season, failing to produce at his usual level before regaining his composure heading into the playoffs.
“I’ve been trying to keep the same mentality. There are times when you think you think you’re playing well and you’re trying to do the right things,” Nugent-Hopkins said about his approach during the challenging stretch.
What Does This Role Change Mean for Nugent-Hopkins?
The forward is known for his reliability and versatility. He is capable of effectively playing both center and left wing. Leon Draisaitl has jokingly referred to him as coach Kris Knoblauch’s favorite player, highlighting his value to the coaching staff. Given his caliber and track record, Nugent-Hopkins’ slow start last season undoubtedly raised some concerns within the organization.
Adding to the discussion, Jason Gregor recently stated that the veteran could end up in the team’s bottom six alongside players like Curtis Lazar and Mattias Janmark. While Nugent-Hopkins will occasionally find himself in the top six, Gregor believes he’ll spend more time in the bottom six this season.
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“I think Ryan Nugent-Hopkins will be more minutes in your bottom six than in your top six. Now he’s obviously going to play in the power play. He’s going to play a ton of the penalty kill,” Gregor explained.
Despite this potential shift in five-on-five deployment, Nugent-Hopkins’ role on special teams will remain unchanged. His spot on the power play unit is secure, and he’ll continue contributing on the penalty kill. This special teams usage means his overall ice time shouldn’t suffer dramatically.
“So his minutes will still be fine, but I’m just talking five on five. I think by the end of the year, he will be more of a third-line centre,” Gregor added, emphasizing that the change primarily affects even-strength situations.
Regardless of his line placement, Nugent-Hopkins will remain a crucial part of the Oilers’ core. He has consistently displayed his ability to adapt and contribute in various roles throughout his career. The veteran forward’s approach to adversity shows his mental toughness and professional mindset.
The 32-year-old brings unparalleled experience to Edmonton’s lineup, having been through playoff runs, rebuilding years, and everything during his time with the organization. His versatility allows him to contribute wherever the coaching staff needs him most, whether that’s centering the third line or providing depth scoring from the wing.
This potential role change doesn’t diminish Nugent-Hopkins’ value to the franchise. Instead, it represents the natural evolution of a veteran player adapting to his team’s changing needs. With his experience, work ethic, and proven ability to contribute in multiple situations, the longtime Oiler is expected to make a positive impact regardless of where he slots into the lineup.
