3 Reasons Ryan Nugent-Hopkins Is Underappreciated in Edmonton

With all the buzz lately about possible trades and the Edmonton Oilers’ cap crunch, Ryan Nugent-Hopkins’ (RNH) name keeps popping up in “what if” conversations. But before we get lost in hypotheticals, it’s worth taking a step back and asking: “Why isn’t this guy celebrated more for what he’s given to Edmonton?”

He’s not flashy. He doesn’t chase headlines. But for over a decade, Nugent-Hopkins has been one of the most steady, loyal, and quietly excellent players in the NHL. Here are three reasons why he deserves more appreciation—both in Edmonton and across the league.

Reason One: RNH Has Been Steady Through Chaos

Drafted first overall in 2011, Nugent-Hopkins arrived during one of the Oilers’ most unstable eras. Since then, he’s played for nine head coaches and seven general managers—an absurd amount of turnover for any player to endure.

For most, that much upheaval would have meant bolting at the first chance. But RNH never wavered—no trade demands. No drama. And, no complaints. He stayed through every rebuild, every false start, and every new “vision” for the team.

While others moved on, Nugent-Hopkins rooted himself in Edmonton. That kind of resilience and commitment deserves recognition in a league where patience is rare.

Reason Two: RNH Chose Edmonton, Plain and Simple

In 2021, Nugent-Hopkins could have tested the market and probably landed a big payday somewhere else. Instead, he re-signed with the Oilers, making it clear it wasn’t just about money.

“I’ve loved my time in Edmonton,” he said. “The team is progressing the way we want it to. I want to be a part of that… I want to win in Edmonton.”

Plenty of players say those words. Nugent-Hopkins has actually lived them. He’s adapted to new roles, accepted whatever the team needed, and never once sought the spotlight. His loyalty hasn’t just been stated—it’s been proven.

Reason Three: RNH’s Quiet Excellence Doesn’t Always Get Noticed

As of the end of last season, Nugent-Hopkins had played 959 games and scored 748 points—strong career totals by any measure. But his true value goes beyond the box score.

He’s a versatile, two-way player: a power-play weapon, a trusted penalty killer, and someone who can shift up or down the lineup without fuss. He makes teams better just by being there.

And yet, because he’s not a loud personality or a human highlight reel, his legacy sometimes gets overshadowed by Edmonton’s bigger names like McDavid and Draisaitl. But make no mistake—his professionalism, adaptability, and quiet consistency are rare in today’s NHL.