The Edmonton Oilers keep riding a roller-coaster of a season, and nobody can be sure which version of this team will show up on any given night. Their best stretches show real promise, but the low points make it clear that something still feels unsettled in their lineup.
That uncertainty naturally puts the spotlight on a player who has long been one of their anchors, leading to a question that could shape the next stretch of their season.
Are the Oilers Preparing for the Return of $41 Million Forward?
Ryan Nugent-Hopkins has experienced the same uneven rhythm that has defined Edmonton’s early months, and the Oilers have felt his absence as much as they benefited from his presence when he was in the lineup. When healthy, he offers his usual blend of creativity and awareness, keeping the top two lines connected while giving the coaching staff reliable minutes in almost every situation.
Before his injury, Nugent-Hopkins’ production reflected that impact. He recorded 16 points in 16 games, scoring five times and assisting on 11 others, and he added seven power-play assists that highlighted his continued value on special teams.
Nugent-Hopkins remains on injured reserve, and he recently admitted he was unsure if he would be able to play against the Dallas Stars, suggesting that his return will be guided by how he responds to each step in his recovery.
NHL insider Jason Gregor shared an update on X that Nugent-Hopkins skated with the main group and even rotated alongside Connor McDavid, while also noting that Edmonton’s upcoming four-day gap in the schedule could influence the team’s decision to give both Nugent-Hopkins and Kasperi Kapanen additional time before rejoining the lineup.
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His importance to the Oilers stretches far beyond his current injury timeline. As a former first overall pick who has spent his entire career in Edmonton, he continues to be one of the organization’s most trusted forwards, and his eight-year contract worth $41 million reflects the long-term commitment the club has made to him. The deal, which carries a cap hit of $5.125 million per season and runs through the 2028-29 campaign, was built on confidence in his consistency, his adaptability, and his ability to guide the team through demanding stretches of the season.
The Oilers now wait for the moment he is cleared to return, knowing that his presence has a way of settling the group and bringing a sense of rhythm to their forward lines. Whether he appears against Dallas or later in the week, the expectation is that his return will help the team regain some much-needed flow in their game.