3 Potential Destinations for Ryan Nugent-Hopkins

Edmonton Oilers forward Ryan Nugent-Hopkins is awaiting his next contract and while his agent and Oilers general manager Ken Holland plan on holding further discussions, there's going to be other options for RNH out there if he hits free-agency.

3 Teams Who Will Have Interest in Signing RNH:

Chicago Blackhawks: The Blackhawks are going to have some money to spend this offseason and will be looking to improve their top-six forwards. With the health of Jonathan Toews in question, RNH would be a great replacement down-the-middle in the Windy city. Even if Toews comes back, Chicago could turn to signing Nugent-Hopkins to add some depth behind Patrick Kane on the left-wing. 

Columbus Blue Jackets: The Blue Jackets are looking to upgrade their top two lines this offseason and Nugent-Hopkins would provide them some much needed skill up front. Since Pierre-Luc Dubois demanded a trade, the team hasn't had a first-line center and while RNH may not be the perfect replacement, he's a solid #2. Columbus has a tough time scoring goals last season and could use the 20-goal scorer's production.

Detroit Red Wings: The Red Wings continue to rebuild and could see the 28-year-old RNH as a veteran option to compliment the young group. There's going to come a time for Steve Yzerman to add talent and perhaps an affordable long-term deal for Nugent-Hopkins is the first step. The Red Wings project to have roughly $48 million in cap space heading into next season, there's no doubt they can afford him.

As it stands right now the odds are RNH returns to the Edmonton Oilers. It's going to come down to how much of a 'discount' he's willing to take and if he's not interested in a team-friendly contract, he could be wearing a new jersey next season.

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