Edmonton Oilers: Will Nugent-Hopkins Heat Up For Playoffs

Edmonton Oilers centre Ryan Nugent-Hopkins brings plenty of depth on the top six. He is an underrated forward who can often be dangerous without drawing attention to himself.

Edmonton Oilers

This season, he has struggled and been inconsistent, putting up just 16 goals and 39 points. He is on pace to finish with 41 points, which would mark one of the worst career seasons for the 23-year-old. However, of late, he has put up pretty decent numbers.

Nugent-Hopkins has a goal and five points in his last five games and went on a three-game point streak to close out March. As his first ever NHL playoff series approaches, he will look to heat up and carry success over into the postseason.

One thing that Nugent-Hopkins brings to the ice is outstanding offensive awareness. He knows when to make the right passes and start the breakout, and is vital on the top six. Not to mention, he is underestimated and is often one of the most dangerous forwards on the ice. Considering his chemistry with Milan Lucic and Jordan Eberle of late, Nugent-Hopkins presents an even more dangerous edge.

Additionally, he has shown great speed and playmaking skill and knows how to look after the puck. Nugent-Hopkins no longer sees himself making fancy plays that often lead to trouble in the neutral zone, but making wise choices, hanging onto the puck and chipping and chasing. That being said, he has improved his edge and has thrived when it has come to puck possession.

Another important aspect of Nugent-Hopkins’ game comes in his two-way play. He is outstanding on the backcheck and can serve as an asset on the penalty kill. Also, he can knock the opposition off the puck and add some physical edge to his game, while also working to maintain possession and win draws.

As the postseason approaches, Nugent-Hopkins has a lot to prove. After all, considering the trade rumors surrounding him, he could be gone if he fails to impress.