The Edmonton Oilers are navigating the 2025-26 season in its early stages. Edmonton has shown glimpses of the dominant team they’ve proven to be over the previous few seasons. Nonetheless, the identical early-season struggles they’ve grown accustomed to have reared their ugly head. In saying this, one undeniable positive this 12 months has been forward Ryan Nugent-Hopkins.
“Nuge” has hit the bottom running up to now this season. His skill was on display on Monday night against the St. Louis Blues. The Oilers lost the sport 3-2, but Nugent-Hopkins recorded an assist on each Edmonton goals. He now has five goals and 10 assists on the season through 14 games played.
It’s an encouraging sign, to say the least. Nuge has shown he can produce at a high level, recording 104 points within the 2022-23 campaign. Nonetheless, his production has been in steep decline ever since. The 2024-25 campaign marked the primary time he recorded lower than 50 points in a full 82-game season since 2017-18.
Recently, the Oilers star spoke about his surge in offensive production. He admitted that last season was less than snuff for him. And he’s trying every thing he can to be more of a threat within the offensive zone.
“Last 12 months I wasn’t very glad with my production,” the Oilers forward told NHL.com. “I do know I also attempt to give attention to other parts of my game and help out. At the identical time, it helps the team if I’m producing. I’m attempting to put in a conscious effort to be more aggressive and get to the within slightly bit more and bear down on not only shots or passes, but other plays after I can.”
Nugent-Hopkins has shown up when it matters most, to be fair. His recent playoff track record is kind of impressive. He has back-to-back 20+ point postseasons. Back within the spring, he scored six goals and 20 points to assist Edmonton reach a second straight Stanley Cup Final.
Nonetheless, the Oilers would definitely wish to see him be a bit more consistent across the 12 months. Putting up points within the regular season could give him more confidence within the postseason. If this happens, Edmonton could finally bring home the Stanley Cup after its recent heartbreaking defeats.