Oilers' Ryan Nugent-Hopkins sets franchise record for most games played

Edmonton Oilers center Ryan Nugent-Hopkins. IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect

Oilers' Ryan Nugent-Hopkins sets franchise record for most games played

By Vanessa Serrao | Last updated Nov 3, 2026 10:23 PM ET

Edmonton Oilers forward Ryan Nugent-Hopkins has set the franchise record for the most regular-season games played. He played in his 1,038th career game against the New Jersey Devils on Tuesday.

The 33-year-old surpassed the previous record holder and Hall of Famer Kevin Lowe, who played 1,037 regular-season games for the Oilers.

Nugent-Hopkins has been a mainstay since being selected first overall by Edmonton in the 2011 NHL Draft. He has shown his loyalty by spending his whole 16-season NHL career with the team.

In his 1,038th game played against the Devils, he showcased good movement recording an assist on Evan Bouchard's ninth goal of the season. Defenseman Mattias Ekholm also recorded an assist on the goal.

NUGE MAKES EDMONTON OILERS HISTORY!! Congratulations to Ryan Nugent-Hopkins on setting the franchise record for most games played! https://t.co/zWSOGriUGp
— NHL (@NHL) November 4, 2026

Nugent-Hopkins also scored a goal in the second period.

RNH PPG #LetsGoOilers pic.twitter.com/Mt1TMNzwQ8
— Edmonton Oilers (@EdmontonOilers) November 4, 2026

Ryan Nugent-Hopkins has set the tone as a wise Oiler

According to the Edmonton Journal, Nugent-Hopkins talked about how fortunate he felt about reaching the feat prior to the game.

“It definitely meant a lot to me. I feel the love,” Nugent-Hopkins said. “And to have experienced a lot of these games with a few of the guys in here, it’s pretty special. It’s just a big honor for me and I’m very lucky, fortunate to hit this milestone with this team."

Nugent-Hopkins has a high-hockey IQ as he anticipates plays early, is a solid playmaker and rarely makes mistakes. Overall, he's a trusted veteran who has demonstrated elite chemistry with teammates Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl and is a mastermind on the power-play with 91 career goals on the man advantage.

Vanessa Serrao

Serrao is a freelance baseball writer who has covered all MLB teams, with particular expertise on the Toronto Blue Jays. She is a member of the Internet Baseball Writers Association of America.

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