Rise to Success: Career Highlights of Ryan Nugent-Hopkins

How Ryan Nugent-Hopkins built a successful career. Explore key moments that defined the journey.

Ryan Nugent-Hopkins, nicknamed "Nuge," is a Canadian professional ice hockey forward and alternate captain for the Edmonton Oilers in the NHL. He was drafted first overall by the Oilers in the 2011 NHL Entry Draft and has remained a consistent presence on the team ever since.

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Full Timeline Career & Achievements Success & Recognition

2006: Oilers Make Playoffs

The Oilers qualified for the Stanley Cup playoffs for the first time since 2006 during the 2016-17 season.

November 7, 2008: WHL Debut

On November 7, 2008, Ryan Nugent-Hopkins made his Western Hockey League (WHL) debut against the Seattle Thunderbirds while playing as an affiliate player for the Red Deer Rebels.

January 23, 2009: First WHL Goal

On January 23, 2009, Ryan Nugent-Hopkins scored his first Western Hockey League (WHL) goal against the Calgary Hitmen while playing as an affiliate player for the Red Deer Rebels.

October 2, 2009: First WHL Hat-Trick

On October 2, 2009, Ryan Nugent-Hopkins recorded his first WHL hat-trick against the Brandon Wheat Kings. He then accumulated 10 points over six consecutive games.

2010: Subway Super Series Selection

In 2010, Ryan Nugent-Hopkins was selected by a committee of WHL General Managers and Hockey Canada’s head scout to play for Team WHL in the 2010 Subway Super Series.

February 12, 2011: Scoring Streak

Between January 23 and February 12, 2011, Ryan Nugent-Hopkins recorded seven goals and 20 assists over 10 games, including one six-point game.

June 24, 2011: Drafted First Overall by the Oilers

On June 24, 2011, Ryan Nugent-Hopkins was selected first overall in the 2011 NHL entry draft by the Edmonton Oilers. He became the first WHL player drafted first overall in the NHL draft since 1996.

July 2, 2011: Signs with the Oilers

On July 2, 2011, Ryan Nugent-Hopkins signed a three-year entry-level contract with the Edmonton Oilers.

October 9, 2011: NHL Debut and First Goal

On October 9, 2011, Ryan Nugent-Hopkins made his NHL debut against the Pittsburgh Penguins, scoring his first NHL goal.

November 19, 2011: Five-Assist Game

On November 19, 2011, Ryan Nugent-Hopkins recorded five assists against the Chicago Blackhawks in a 9–2 win, becoming the first 18-year-old to record a five-assist game in NHL history.

September 19, 2013: Nugent-Hopkins Signs Seven-Year Extension with the Oilers

On September 19, 2013, Ryan Nugent-Hopkins agreed to a seven-year contract extension with the Edmonton Oilers, valued at $42 million. This deal included a $6 million per year cap hit.

October 7, 2013: Nugent-Hopkins Season Debut

On October 7, 2013, Ryan Nugent-Hopkins made his season debut against the New Jersey Devils, scoring a goal and recording six shots on net. He also played for 28 minutes, which was the most among all the skaters on both teams.

2014: Struggles and Coaching Change

In 2014, Nugent-Hopkins and the Oilers struggled, leading to a 7–19–5 record and the firing of coach Eakins. Despite the team's struggles, Nugent-Hopkins had 25 points by early January.

2014: Offseason Training and Draft

In 2014, Ryan Nugent-Hopkins focused on building muscle and improving his skating, face-offs, and defensive zone draws during the offseason. The Oilers also drafted Leon Draisaitl, who was expected to play as a second or third line center. Once the 2014 season started, Nugent-Hopkins took on a leadership role as the Oilers' first-line centre.

March 8, 2015: Hat Trick and Injury

On March 8, 2015, Ryan Nugent-Hopkins achieved his second career hat trick in a 7–4 loss to the Carolina Hurricanes. He concluded the 2015 season with 24 goals and 32 assists, though he missed the last four games because of a foot fracture.

2015: Injury-Plagued Season

During the 2015 season, Nugent-Hopkins was limited to 55 games due to injuries. His production decreased after an injury to Eberle in October 2015, and he played with various linemates.

2016: Alternate Captain and Line Placement

Prior to the 2016-17 season, Connor McDavid was named captain of the Oilers, and Ryan Nugent-Hopkins was named an alternate captain. Due to the dominance of McDavid and Draisaitl, Nugent-Hopkins was placed on the Oilers third line.

April 12, 2017: First NHL Playoff Game

On April 12, 2017, Ryan Nugent-Hopkins played in his first NHL playoff game in Game 1 of the Western Conference first round against the San Jose Sharks. He finished the postseason with four assists through 13 games.

2017: Strong Start to the Season

Ryan Nugent-Hopkins started the 2017-18 season strongly, tying McDavid for the team lead in goals with five through their first 11 games.

April 23, 2018: King Clancy Memorial Trophy Nomination

On April 23, 2018, Ryan Nugent-Hopkins was nominated for the King Clancy Memorial Trophy as the player who best exemplifies leadership qualities and gives back to the community.

2018: Teammates at World Championship

Ryan Nugent-Hopkins and Connor McDavid represented Team Canada at the 2018 IIHF World Championship during the offseason.

March 26, 2019: Dual Hat-Tricks

On March 26, 2019, Ryan Nugent-Hopkins and Leon Draisaitl each recorded a hat-trick in an 8-4 win over the Los Angeles Kings, becoming the first Oilers teammates to do so since 1985.

2019: Season Performance and Injury

In the 2019–20 season, Ryan Nugent-Hopkins nearly equalled his career-highs, playing as a winger. In November 2019, he missed six games due to a hand injury.

2020: All-Star Game Nomination and DYNamite Line

In 2020, Nugent-Hopkins was nominated for the NHL All-Star Game. He also played on the Oilers' second line, known as the 'DYNamite line,' with Draisaitl and Yamamoto. Nugent-Hopkins recorded 42 of his total 61 points in the final 30 games before the regular season was paused due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

2020: Training and Playoffs

In 2020, to stay in shape over the break, Ryan Nugent-Hopkins trained with Oilers teammate Jujhar Khaira. The Oilers took Nugent-Hopkins into their quarantine bubble for the 2020 Stanley Cup playoffs. Nugent-Hopkins recorded two goals and six assists over four games.

2021: Contract Extension

In 2021, Nugent-Hopkins signed an eight-year, $41 million contract extension with the Oilers after forgoing free agency. He also matched franchise records including third in games played, fifth in goals, and sixth in assists. The Oilers were swept by the Jets in the first round of the playoffs.

January 25, 2022: Returns to Oilers Lineup

On January 25, 2022, Ryan Nugent-Hopkins returned to the Oilers lineup after missing six games due to being placed on injured reserve. Upon his return, he played mostly as their third-line centre.

October 26, 2022: Scores 200th Career NHL Goal

On October 26, 2022, Nugent-Hopkins scored his 200th career NHL goal against the St. Louis Blues.

February 23, 2023: Ninth-Highest Point Scorer in Oilers Franchise History

On February 23, 2023, Nugent-Hopkins became the ninth-highest point scorer in franchise history after recording his 600th career point in a 7–2 win over the Pittsburgh Penguins.

April 5, 2023: Reaches 100-Point Milestone

On April 5, 2023, Nugent-Hopkins reached the 100-point milestone for the first time in his career, joining teammates McDavid and Draisaitl. The Oilers became the first team since the 1995–96 Pittsburgh Penguins to have three players accumulate 100 points or more.

October 12, 2024: Scores 700th NHL Point

On October 12, 2024, Ryan Nugent-Hopkins recorded his 700th NHL point with an assist against the Chicago Blackhawks.

March 22, 2025: Scores Fourth NHL Hat Trick

On March 22, 2025, Nugent-Hopkins scored his fourth NHL hat trick against the Seattle Kraken, while also centering the Oilers top line between Vasily Podkolzin and Viktor Arvidsson.