The Edmonton Oilers are back in the Stanley Cup Final, and one of the biggest reasons is the outstanding play of Ryan Nugent-Hopkins during the Western Conference Final against the Dallas Stars. While Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl continued their elite-level production, it was Nugent-Hopkins who quietly put together one of the most effective and consistent series performances among all Oilers skaters.
Through the five-game series against Dallas, Nugent-Hopkins recorded 2 goals and 7 assists for 9 points, tied for the team lead in points with both McDavid and Draisaitl. However, what sets Nugent-Hopkins apart is the fact he is not expected to put up that quantity of numbers. He picked up points in each of the first four games, including back-to-back multi-point outings in Games 1 and 2 (1 goal, 1 assist in each), followed by 3 assists in Game 3 and 2 more in Game 4. While he was held off the scoresheet in the Game 5 win, his early impact helped the Oilers take a commanding 3-1 series lead before closing it out on home ice.
Compared to his teammates, Nugent-Hopkins’ contributions stand out. McDavid posted 3 goals and 6 assists (9 points), and Draisaitl had the same totals as Nuge, with 2 goals and 7 assists. Evan Bouchard, the only other skater with at least 5 points, had 2 goals and 3 assists. Beyond them, no other Oiler had more than 4 points in the series.
Nugent-Hopkins also second in Edmonton forwards with 4 power play points, a critical factor in the series as the Stars’ penalty kill struggled to contain the Oilers’ lethal man-advantage. His ability to provide solid plays from the flank and find seams added another layer to Edmonton’s already deadly power play.
What’s more, Nugent-Hopkins was a forward-best +5 in the series and logged 18:23 of ice time per game, proving he was not just producing points but doing so while being trusted in all situations.
With Zach Hyman missing most of Game 4 and all of Game 5 due to injury, Nugent-Hopkins' ability to step up was vital. Heading into the Stanley Cup Final against the Florida Panthers, a team known for its physicality, structure, and goaltending, continued strong play from RNH could be a difference-maker. Florida will undoubtedly key in on McDavid and Draisaitl, meaning Nugent-Hopkins must continue to provide secondary scoring or even primary, if needed.
If Nugent-Hopkins can maintain the pace he set against Dallas, the Oilers' chances of ending their championship drought skyrocket. He’s no longer just the complementary piece he once was he’s a core offensive driver who could help push Edmonton over the top.