In Edmonton, Alberta, Ryan Nugent-Hopkins has emerged as a standout player for the Oilers, frequently being described as the team`s “Swiss Army knife.” This high praise comes directly from key figures within the team, including captain Connor McDavid, widely regarded as the NHL`s premier player.
“He`s our Swiss Army knife,” McDavid commented on Nugent-Hopkins following the Oilers` dominant 6-1 victory over the Dallas Stars in Game 3 of the Western Conference finals. McDavid added that Nugent-Hopkins is “playing really, really well. Just solid overall, making plays, doing his thing. He`s asked to do everything every single night. He`s playing great.”
Evander Kane, a teammate who often skates on the same line as Nugent-Hopkins, also underlined his significant impact. Referring to McDavid`s popular analogy, Kane echoed the sentiment:
“He is a player that is very versatile. He sees the ice well, has good poise out there to make plays. He`s had a really, really good playoffs. He`s had an even better [Western Conference finals] series. So if we can continue to get that type of game from him, obviously, that helps our team greatly.”
Nugent-Hopkins` exceptional play has brought him increased attention on a roster full of stars. His performance in Game 3 was particularly strong, where he recorded three assists, showcasing his elite playmaking ability, including a remarkable give-and-go sequence with McDavid early in the game.
So far in the conference finals, the veteran forward has contributed two goals and seven points. Across 14 playoff games this spring, he has accumulated five goals and 16 points, ranking fourth on the team. His impressive start to the Dallas series places him in an elite category: he is just the second player in Oilers history, alongside Wayne Gretzky, to record multiple points in each of the first three games of a conference final.
This level of contribution is remarkable for a player who takes on so many roles. Nugent-Hopkins is the quintessential versatile player, capable of handling almost any assignment on the ice short of playing goalie. He has been deployed as a top-line winger alongside McDavid, a shutdown center on the second line with Kane, a consistent presence on the potent top power-play unit, and a vital member of the penalty kill.
Simply put, Nugent-Hopkins embodies the ideal player for any coach, a fact coach Kris Knoblauch openly acknowledges.
“Leon [Draisaitl] joked last year he`s my favorite player,” Knoblauch said, highlighting Nugent-Hopkins` value. “But any time you have a player that can do so much, as a coach you`re very thankful for it. You want players with flexibility. You can use them in all different situations… He`ll do a great job.”
Despite the widespread praise, Nugent-Hopkins remains modest, deflecting credit and emphasizing the collective effort of the team.
“I think we`re all just doing our thing and trying to chip in where we can,” he said when asked about his impact. “Our line got a couple [on Sunday] and it`s nice to capitalize on your chances and see it go in.”
The success the Oilers and Nugent-Hopkins are currently experiencing is the result of a long journey. Drafted first overall by Edmonton in 2011, Nugent-Hopkins endured difficult years with the franchise, seeing only one playoff appearance in his first eight seasons, followed by first-round exits in 2020 and 2021.
However, the team`s fortunes have shifted. Edmonton made a deep run to the Stanley Cup Final last season, narrowly losing in Game 7. Nugent-Hopkins was a key contributor then as well, with seven goals and 22 points. The team is now striving to replicate that success, currently holding a 2-1 series lead against Dallas heading into Game 4.
For those who have watched Nugent-Hopkins mature, his current high level of play at age 32 is not surprising. Goalie Stuart Skinner, who joined the Oilers in 2020-21, has long been an admirer.
“I`ve always been a huge fan,” Skinner stated. “He`s been able to be a two-way player [in all three phases] of the ice. He`s just that type of guy. That`s why he`s such a huge part of our team, huge part of the organization.”
Nugent-Hopkins has also been instrumental in transforming what was a weakness for the Oilers—their penalty kill—into a strength. After allowing three power-play goals in quick succession during the crucial third period of Game 1 against Dallas, the Oilers` penalty kill has been perfect since, successfully neutralizing all four Stars power plays with Nugent-Hopkins on the ice. He credits this improvement to maintaining confidence and sticking to their strategy.
Balancing such a wide array of roles without sacrificing quality is a testament to Nugent-Hopkins` unique abilities. Like a genuine Swiss Army knife, his full utility is sometimes hidden from plain sight. His impact extends beyond his dazzling plays on the ice to his vital presence off it.
“He`s a leader in here,” Skinner affirmed. “The work ethic he shows every day, what he says in the room and [how] he does it with a lot of composure too. It`s very impressive.” This combination of on-ice skill and off-ice leadership makes him truly invaluable.
