After missing 18 games with cracked ribs, Ryan Nugent-Hopkins has been cleared to play and was activated from the Injured Reserve in time for tonight’s matchup with the New York Rangers. 

After colliding with Brayden McNabb in Vegas on January 13th, Ryan Nugent-Hopkins was placed on the Injured Reserve with cracked ribs. At the time of the injury, RNH was leading the team in goals with 16, and despite missing more than a month of game action, he remains in third place in team scoring. In 46 games played, Ryan Nugent-Hopkins has 31 points (16G, 15A), and is still tied for the team lead in power play goals with four.

Despite only being 24-years-old, Ryan Nugent-Hopkins is currently the longest-serving Oiler, a fact that reminds us of the player turnover the organization has seen since he was drafted first overall in 2011. Nugent-Hopkins has seen many players come and go yet he remains the last standing, though we don’t know for how long. With the Oilers entering a cap crunch starting next season, Ryan Nugent-Hopkins is one of the few high-priced contracts the Oilers have on their books that also has tradeable value.

With three years remaining on his contract, Nugent-Hopkins could be next on Peter Chiarelli’s trade list as he will look to work his roster to fit within the salary cap. With Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl taking up a large percentage of the cap and Lucic’s contract being virtually unmovable, one must wonder where the Oilers will look to save money. Could we be watching RNH’s last stretch as an Oiler? While the future is unclear, we still recommend enjoying the last 18 games anyway. Welcome back, Nuge.