Edmonton Oilers: Life Without Ryan Nugent-Hopkins

Edmonton Oilers: The McDavid-Draisaitl Experiment 1-2

The Edmonton Oilers are in a very fortunate position moving forward in 2015-16. Phenom superstar Connor McDavid makes his return following the All-Star break, and Edmonton gets an opportunity to see their phenom forward and Leon Draisatil operate as a 1-2 punch up the middle.

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When the Oilers opened the 2015-16 season, Ryan Nugent-Hopkins assumed first line duties, while McDavid filled on the second. Leon Draisaitl began the season down with AHL Bakersfield. The long-term injury to McDavid prompted the call-up of Draisaitl, and he’s since gone on a tear for 37 points in 40 games.

Ryan Nugent-Hopkins went down on January 18th with a hand injury after blocking a shot, sidelining him until March at the earliest.

Jan 23, 2016; Edmonton, Alberta, CAN; Edmonton Oilers forward Leon Draisaitl (29) looks for a pass against the Nashville Predators at Rexall Place. Mandatory Credit: Perry Nelson-USA TODAY Sports /

The Edmonton Oilers were treading water in January, accumulating a dismal 3-6-3 record, bringing their season total to 19-26-5 with 43 points. They currently sit last in the Western Conference, on track for yet another top three Draft Lottery pick.

Both NHL fans and the Oilers organization are hoping to avoid a situation that forces the league to make an Edmonton rule (if they manage to score another first overall pick).

Staying healthy is a struggle for the Edmonton Oilers in 2015-16, never having their true top six fully in-tact. They opened the season with Jordan Eberle on the IR, and lost McDavid just prior to his return. They also lost Nail Yakupov and Oscar Klefbom for extended periods. Virtually every first overall pick in the past five years has spent significant time on the IR at some point in their career.

Opportunity Knocks with RNH Injury

Oct 31, 2015; Edmonton, Alberta, CAN; Edmonton Oilers center Connor McDavid (97) skates during the warmup period against the Calgary Flames at Rexall Place. Mandatory Credit: Sergei Belski-USA TODAY Sports /

Before McDavid’s return, there was already speculation that Edmonton might consider trading one of their young center’s. The latest rumors suggest GM Peter Chiarelli was in talks with Nashville GM David Poile regarding Seth Jones. If you compare Ryan Johansen and Ryan Nugent-Hopkins, it’s understable why the Preds went in Columbus’ direction.

RNH is a very talented player who went first overall in a weak draft. It would be unfair to compare him to the likes of others who went at the top of the NHL draft. Nugent-Hopkins is a decent first line center on a bad team, but a very good second line center on a great team. He doesn’t have Art Ross potential, but he certainly has the ability to have a lengthy, productive career.

Now, instead of feeling added pressure to make a move with a log jam up the middle, Peter Chiarelli bought himself more time to find a trade partner. He gets to keep his valuable asset in RNH, while at the same time being given a sneak peek at how Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl operate as Edmonton’s top two center’s.

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Expect the Edmonton Oilers to be shopping Ryan Nugent-Hopkins at the 2016 NHL Draft. They’ll likely target a defensive player in the Seth Jones range – perhaps Matt Dumba in Minnesota or Travis Hamonic in New York? If a trade partner cannot be found, the Edmonton Oilers would likely feel comfortable going into July 1st with RNH at their disposal. Just don’t expect to see Ryan Nugent-Hopkins suiting up for Edmonton in 2016-17.

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