Edmonton Oilers: NHL 16 Rankings Top Six Forwards

Mandatory Credit: Aaron Doster-USA TODAY Sports

C Ryan Nugent-Hopkins– 86

Nugent-Hopkins has a high potential like Eberle, but we’re putting the youngster at a higher overall than Eberle for multiple reasons.  For starters, he tied Eberle in goals last season and is starting to develop into a better player at a younger age.  Second off, his injuries were holding him back from his full potential, but now, it looks like he is improving his scoring and is making great plays at center.

Nugent-Hopkins is also better when it comes to back checking, as he knows how to somewhat defend.  Sure, his +/- isn’t the greatest thing on Earth, but it’s better than Ebs.  Physically, he’s bulking up, so that should help him on the backend and it should help him when it comes to skating.

We’ll leave him at an 86.  He seems to be ready to hit his full potential, but at the same time, he lacks consistency and the ability to defend.

Next: RW Benoit Pouliot