Edmonton Oilers veteran forward Ryan Nugent-Hopkins is making it clear that his team remains a top-tier threat despite a season of ups and downs.
Following the Oilers’ 4–3 victory over the Colorado Avalanche on Tuesday, March 10, 2026, the longest-tenured Oiler and versatile alternate captain, Ryan Nugent-Hopkins, expressed unwavering faith in the roster’s ability to compete with the league’s elite. After scoring two goals in the win, he spoke about the collective belief inside the locker room, remarking, “When we play like that, we can beat anybody.”
Notably, Nugent-Hopkins was not present for the team’s subsequent 3–2 overtime loss to the St. Louis Blues on Friday, March 13, as he had returned to Edmonton for personal reasons.
Let’s take a closer look.
Why is Ryan Nugent-Hopkins so confident in the Oilers’ roster?
The veteran forward believes that when the Oilers play their specific brand of hockey, there is no opponent in the NHL that they cannot overcome. Nugent-Hopkins is in the fifth season of an eight-year, $41 million contract with a $5.125 million AAV/cap hit.
He pointed to the team’s recent victories over powerhouse teams like the Vegas Golden Knights and Colorado Avalanche as proof of their ceiling.
Fun fact: Ryan Nugent-Hopkins became the first player to play 1,000 NHL games exclusively with the Edmonton Oilers.
The confidence stems from a core that has remained largely together through multiple deep playoff runs, including a trip to Game 7 of the Stanley Cup Final in 2024. Nugent-Hopkins noted that the experience gained from those “gut-wrenching” moments has forged a resilience that younger teams simply don’t possess yet. He emphasized that while the standings might fluctuate, the talent level in the room provides a safety net of confidence.
How has the 2025-26 season challenged the Oilers’ elite status?
Consistency has been the primary obstacle for Edmonton this year, as the team has struggled to string together long winning streaks. Unlike previous seasons where the Oilers would go on double-digit “heaters” during the winter months, the 2025-26 squad has been defined by a more volatile win-loss pattern.
Defensive lapses and a shifting goaltending situation have led to lopsided results, such as a recent 7-2 defeat at the hands of the Dallas Stars. These fluctuations have led some critics to wonder if the window for this specific core is beginning to narrow.
However, the team has undergone significant mid-season changes to address these exact concerns. General Manager Stan Bowman has been active in reshaping Edmonton’s crease, first acquiring Connor Ingram from Utah on October 1, 2025, and later adding Tristan Jarry from Pittsburgh on December 12, 2025.
Additionally, the arrival of deadline acquisitions like Jason Dickinson and defenseman Connor Murphy has provided much-needed depth. Nugent-Hopkins mentioned that integrating new faces takes time, but the “buy-in” from the veterans has helped accelerate the process.
Fun fact: Despite being known as a playmaker, Ryan Nugent-Hopkins recorded his first career 100-point season in 2022-23, becoming one of only three Oilers on that roster to hit the century mark.
What does the $41 million man bring to the lineup daily?
Ryan Nugent-Hopkins remains the “Swiss Army Knife” of the Oilers, playing crucial roles on both the power play and the penalty kill. His $5.125 million annual cap hit has often been cited as one of the most team-friendly deals for a player of his caliber.
Whether he is slotting in at center to drive his own line or playing the wing alongside McDavid, his hockey IQ is what sets him apart. This season, his defensive responsibilities have increased as the team looks to protect its goaltenders more effectively.
Leadership is perhaps his most underrated quality, as he often acts as the bridge between the coaching staff and the younger players. On a team with massive personalities and global superstars, Nugent-Hopkins provides a steady, calming influence that keeps the group grounded.
He isn’t the loudest player in the room, but when he speaks about the team’s ability to “beat anybody,” his teammates take notice. His longevity in the city has also made him a fan favorite, embodying the “Oil Country” spirit of hard work and loyalty.
Fun fact: Ryan Nugent-Hopkins became the first 18-year-old in NHL history to record five assists in a single game, doing so in his 19th career game against Chicago on Nov. 19, 2011.
Can the Oilers actually dominate the Western Conference again?
While the road through the West is paved with elite talent, the Oilers’ star power gives them a puncher’s chance in any matchup. The Pacific Division remains tightly contested, with several contenders pushing Edmonton in the playoff race. Nugent-Hopkins acknowledged the strength of the conference but doubled down on the idea that the Oilers’ best game is superior to anyone else’s. He pointed to the team’s “special teams” as a primary reason for this optimism.
Edmonton’s power play continues to be a historic weapon, capable of turning a game on its head in a matter of seconds. When Nugent-Hopkins, McDavid, Draisaitl, and Evan Bouchard are clicking, opposing penalty kills often look helpless. The veteran forward noted that having these “game-breakers” allows the team to stay confident even when they are trailing.
He believes that as long as the five-on-five play remains respectable, the Oilers’ elite talent will almost always tilt the ice in their favor during high-pressure moments.
TL;DR
- Oilers alternate captain Ryan Nugent-Hopkins issued a bold message to NHL rivals, stating the team can “beat anybody” when playing their best.
- The forward is in the fifth year of an eight-year, $41 million contract and remains the team’s longest-serving player.
- Edmonton has struggled with consistency in the 2025-26 season but has recently found success against top-tier opponents like Colorado and Vegas.
- The team has addressed roster gaps by acquiring goalie Connor Ingram and veterans Jason Dickinson and Connor Murphy.
- Nugent-Hopkins emphasizes that the team’s playoff experience and elite star power make them a dangerous threat in the Western Conference.
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This article was made with AI assistance and human editing.
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