Oilers Coach Sends Clear Warning to Ryan Nugent-Hopkins Amid Slump
The Edmonton Oilers are rolling with Ryan Nugent-Hopkins on the top line as they gear up for Thursday night’s clash against the New Jersey Devils.
But here’s the twist: this could be one of the veteran forward’s final opportunities to prove his worth before head coach Kris Knoblauch decides to shake things up.
When pressed about the performance of the star-studded trio—Connor McDavid, Nugent-Hopkins, and Zach Hyman—Knoblauch didn’t hold back. “It’s nowhere near the same level as it was last year,” he admitted, signaling that changes could be on the horizon if the chemistry doesn’t ignite soon. He said:
And you know, we tried some things moving, you know, one guy or two new linemates around McDavid, and you know, nothing is really stuck. Nothing’s been better, so we’re hopeful that they can capture the magic that they had last year… It just hasn’t been what’s expected.
Knoblauch remains confident this trio has what it takes to rediscover their magic and become a force to be reckoned with. “Last year, they were arguably the best line in the league,” he said, hinting at the sky-high potential they’ve shown before. Now, it’s all about finding that elite form again.
What’s Going on with the Struggling Nugent-Hopkins?
When asked about Ryan Nugent-Hopkins’ recent slump—just one goal in his last 15 games—head coach Kris Knoblauch acknowledged that while Nuge had a few solid chances against Buffalo, the expectation is clear: he needs to start producing.
Knoblauch pointed out that while Nugent-Hopkins is often matched up against tougher opponents, “you expect your top players to be your best players.”
“That’s what I expect of him because that’s what I think of him,” Knoblauch emphasized, making it clear that Nugent-Hopkins has to elevate his game soon. If he doesn’t, his spot on the top line alongside the Oilers’ other elite talent could be in jeopardy.
It’s been a steep decline for Nugent-Hopkins since his career-high 104-point season with the Oilers. While he remains a valuable player on a team-friendly contract, his current pace of 50 points and 20 goals this season isn’t cutting it if the Oilers hope to make another deep playoff run.
Nugent-Hopkins admitted the frustration is real. “It’s easier said than done; you can get frustrated at times,” he said, acknowledging the pressure to perform.
“When I have three really good opportunities and they don’t go in, I’m more frustrated because that could be the difference in a game,” he added.
Oilers Shake Things Up Against the Devils
In other lineup news, Jeff Skinner is expected to slot into the second line alongside Leon Draisaitl and Viktor Arvidsson for Thursday’s game against the Devils. Meanwhile, Mattias Janmark, who has struggled recently, will be a healthy scratch.
On the defensive side, Mattias Ekholm won’t join the Oilers on their current road trip, and John Klingberg remains sidelined. Troy Stecher will step into the top-four defensive pairings.
As for the Devils, they’ll be without key players Jack Hughes, Dougie Hamilton, and Jonas Siegenthaler, all of whom are out for the remainder of the season due to long-term injuries.
Image - Perry Nelson-Imagn
