Edmonton Oilers head coach Tom Renney confirmed after Monday’s practice that 1st overall draft pick of the 011 NHL Entry Draft, Ryan Nugent-Hopkins, will in fact start the season with the team for the season opener.
"I definitely am excited," Nugent-Hopkins said. "It's going to be my first regular season NHL game, so I couldn't be more excited. I'm just really happy for the opportunity."
The 18 year old Burnaby, B.C. native signed a mega three year entry level deal over the summer. According the CapGeek.com, with bonuses, he is set to collect up to $3.775 million per year. Nugent-Hopkins becomes the second consecutive 1st overall draft selection to start the regular season with the Edmonton Oilers. The Oilers’ approach of youth and skill being put to the test early is well documented, and they’ve just put the stamp of approval to take it to the next step. "Ryan will start the season with us," Renney told reporters. "We all understand the parameters there, that he can operate (here) before we have to make a real concrete decision on the season. Again, we'll do it a game at a time, but he's had a very good camp."
Nugent-Hopkins earned his start through the NHL preseason as he collected one goal and five assists through five games played. He lined up with last year’s 1st overall pick, Taylor Hall, and veteran scoring winger Ales Hemsky in Monday’s practice. Expectations are great of the youngster, but starting him off at the top level is something the Oilers have believed in through their rebuild and youth movement over the past few years.
"I'm going to play him. This is about two points now. The guys that can help us do that, will play, and I fully expect that Ryan will be a contributor to our needs every night," Renney said. "I believe I've got more weapons in front of me from the forward group this year. With that, you might see minutes diminish across the board a little bit. At the same time, if we need to double up a line because they're going that well and he happens to be on it, all good."
The creative playmaker and above average skater really impressed prior to his selection in the entry draft, and led the charts in terms of draft placement for the majority of last year. In 2010-2011 for Red Deer of the WHL he tallied an impressive 31 goals and 75 assists for 106 points and a +30 rating in just 69 games. He carried on his form in the post season as he appeared in 9 games and scored 4 goals and 11 points. He was also honored with a selection to the WHL’s East First All-Star Team, and also dubbed the Canadian Major Junior Top Draft Prospect.
In 2009-2010, he won the rookie of the year award in the WHL as he collected 24 goals and 65 points in 67 games. His first year in the NHL holds the same type of promise, as if he sticks; he will surely be vying for the Calder Memorial Trophy.
Nugent-Hopkins begins his journey into the regular season NHL against the Pittsburgh Penguins on Sunday night. He does so with a cast of very young, and very talented players.
"It's really important for me to handle my emotions. I can't get too high. I know it's my first NHL game, so I'm going to be very excited but I think I've got to just channel that into a really good thing," Nugent-Hopkins said. "The team's taken some strides the last couple of years. I know it's just exhibition but it shows a lot. We've definitely shown some character. I think we've put some good points on the board. So I think things are looking pretty good right now."
Though it is possible Nugent-Hopkins is sent back to Red Deer before or after his first nine games are completed at the NHL for further development in the minors, it isn’t overly likely. Nugent-Hopkins has an uncanny ability to find open ice, possesses a tremendous amount of anticipation, and has the puck and skating skills to get points on the board. He is surrounded by skillful forwards that can benefit him largely in the present and future. Nugent-Hopkins was a great choice by the Oilers, and he is set out to prove it beginning Sunday night.
- Kendall Grubbs
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