Edmonton Oilers: The Anatomy of Ryan Nugent-Hopkins

The Edmonton Oilers used their first-overall pick in the 2011 NHL Entry Draft to select Ryan Nugent-Hopkins, a baby-faced centre who put up impressive numbers with the WHL’s Red Deer Rebels.

At age 18, Nugent-Hopkins had scored 106 points (31 G, 75 A) in just 69 games with the Rebels, with a plus-30 rating.

Nugent-Hopkins has spent the last two seasons with the Red Deer Rebels of the WHL. The 18-year-old center had 106 points in 69 games while also boasting a plus-30 rating. He was tied for third in the WHL in scoring, and he led the league with 75 assists.

"“Has incredibly hockey sense, vision and patience with the puck. Can set up linemates with aplomb, as well as score goals himself. Displays a two-way game. Makes his teammates around him better.” – The Hockey News Scouting Report"

Despite his incredible playmaking potential, many have underrated the value of Nugent-Hopkins, mentioning him as a trade piece for the Oilers. However, looking at his point contributions, Nugent-Hopkins’ stats are actually superb.

Chart by Sammi Silber/Oil on Whyte

Nugent-Hopkins has superb numbers. His rookie season in 2011-12 was impressive; he has 52 points (18 G, 34 A) in just 62 games. The following season, the baby-faced centre would only play 40 games due to the lockout and injury, scoring only four goals and 20 assists for a 24-point campaign.

Despite injuries, “Nuge” has put up two consecutive 56-point seasons after the lock-out. He continues to fall victim to injury, and this past season, it was a broken hand that sat Nugent-Hopkins out for months. He only played 55 games, and finished with 34 points (12 G, 22 A).

Surely enough, his statistics would have been better if he played full campaigns in the NHL; the only year he came close to playing the whole season with was in 2013-14, when he dressed for 80 games. Still, he only put up 56 points in that time.

The problem sits with the injuries. Nugent-Hopkins has struggled with them throughout his career, and it has halted his development. Injuries have held him out from important games, including his first NHL All-Star Game in 2012. Not to mention, he came second in Calder voting in his rookie season, and one can only imagine what it would have been like if he hadn’t been injured.

Thankfully, something can be done, because it is simple to trace the roots of his injuries. It comes down to his size.

“Baby Nuge” has the face of a kid who still goes to bed at 9:30 p.m., but the problem – and cause of his woes – stems from his size. The 6-foot, 189 pound centre lacks size and strength, as well as bulk.

This is one of the flaws also prominent in his scouting report, and because he has struggled to add strength and weight, he is unable to successfully stand up against the rough and tumble play that the NHL is famous for. Hence, the injuries.

If Nugent-Hopkins can work toward building some muscle and size, as well as toning it up, he can dress for more games in a season and find it easier to stay healthy. Then, he can put his playmaking ability and numbers to use. And yes, he does possess great talent and is definitely underrated. He is not a third-line centre; he carries the potential to be a top-six man, and can surely compete with Leon Draisaitl, who they would likely try on the wing before demoting him to the third line.

Next: Edmonton Oilers: McLellan Discusses Necessity of Hall Trade, Larsson and More

Trading him at this point in time would be a huge mistake, as any centre depth the Oilers have would be depleted. Behind Connor McDavid and Draisaitl, there would be no centre left to fill that void.