Oilers' Nugent-Hopkins To Start Shooting In A Month
News:Ryan Nugent-Hopkins (shoulder) is hoping to be able to start taking shots in about a month, according to the Oilers web site.
Analysis:Ryan Nugent-Hopkins seems to be progressing well in his recovery from shoulder surgery and should be 100% recovered going into training camp in September.
Oilers' Nugent-Hopkins Undergoes Successful Surgery
News:Ryan Nugent-Hopkins underwent successful shoulder surgery Tuesday, according to the Oilers' official Twitter page.
Analysis:Ryan Nugent-Hopkins figures to be back at 100 percent by the time training camp rolls around this fall. He will be coming off the injury and a very disappointing sophomore season, but that could make him a nice bargain come draft day.
Oilers' Nugent-Hopkins (Shoulder) To Undergo Surgery
News:Ryan Nugent-Hopkins will undergo surgery on the torn labrum in his left shoulder, Eric Stephens of the Orange County Register reports.
Analysis:Ryan Nugent-Hopkins will miss the rest of the season, but he is expected to make a full recovery and be ready for next season.
Oilers' Nugent-Hopkins (Shoulder) Out For Rest Of Season
News:Ryan Nugent-Hopkins will miss the rest of the season with a shoulder injury.
Analysis:Ryan Nugent-Hopkins will fly to Cleveland on Sunday to have his shoulder examined. It's possible that he will have to undergo surgery. Either way, he will not see any more action this season.
News:Ryan Nugent-Hopkins bagged a pair of assists (including one on the power play) in Edmonton's 4-0 win over Vancouver on Saturday night.
Analysis: The difference between this season and last year's brilliant rookie campaign is that his shooting percentage has dropped off a cliff. Last year, when he lit the lamp 18 times in 62 games, he connected at a 13.4% pace. This year, he has just three goals on 66 shots (3.0%). He's too young to have a meaningful baseline in order to project a bounce-back, though our best sense is that his shooting touch will return.
News:Ryan Nugent-Hopkins picked up two assists in Tuesday's win over the Blues.
Analysis: The line of Ryan Nugent-Hopkins centering Jordan Eberle and Taylor Hall looked mighty good in this one, providing all of Edmonton's offense despite not playing a whole lot of minutes. RNH may still need to work on his strength and conditioning, but he's notched six points in his last six games, suggesting that he's starting to find his stride.
News:Ryan Nugent-Hopkins still doesn't look close to 100 percent, according to the Edmonton Journal.
Analysis: RNH was dealing with strep throat and the flu, which led to some weight loss, as he reportedly is tipping the scales at just under 170 lbs. He will continue to be eased back into the lineup until his strength and stamina return.
News:Ryan Nugent-Hopkins (illness) is ready to return to action.
Analysis: With Ryan Nugent-Hopkins recovered from his illness and slated to play Monday against Nashville, the Oilers have sent Teemu Hartikainen to AHL Oklahoma City.
News: Though he was placed on IR after missing the last two games with an illness, Ryan Nugent-Hopkins will accompany the team on its upcoming road trip, according to the Oilers official site.
Analysis: Coach Ralph Krueger had originally stated that Ryan Nugent-Hopkins had just a 24-hour flu bug, but was still unable to play Saturday. The team placed him on IR to open up a roster spot, but feels confident that the 19-year-old center could return either Monday or Tuesday. Nugent-Hopkins may have just two goals and nine assists, but he remains a strong part of the Oilers' offense.
News:Ryan Nugent-Hopkins (illness) was placed on IR on Saturday, according to the Edmonton Journal.
Analysis: The Oilers are still calling this just an illness but there is also a chance that RNH will miss the team's upcoming two-game road trip. It seems to us this is something more than just a case of the flu.
Oilers' Nugent-Hopkins (Illness) "Very Doubtful" For Saturday
News:Ryan Nugent-Hopkins (illness) is "very doubtful" for Saturday's game against the Blues, according to coach Ralph Krueger, Dan Tencer of 630 CHED reports.
Analysis: Krueger indicated Thursday that Ryan Nugent-Hopkins just had a 24-hour flu bug, and would likely play Saturday, but the 19-year-old is reportedly still very sick. Consider him day-to-day heading into Monday.
News:Ryan Nugent-Hopkins (flu) is expected to suit up Saturday versus the Blues, according to the Edmonton Journal.
Analysis: Coach Ralph Krueger has stated that the flu is of the 24-hour variety. The Oilers really miss RNH on the power play as he seems to be the engine that makes that unit go. The team is also extremely thin at center and can't afford to have him sit out another game.
News:Ryan Nugent-Hopkins (illness) will miss Wednesday's game against the Sharks, according to Oilers Radio Network's Dan Tencer.
Analysis: The Oilers' next game isn't until Saturday against the Blues, which will hopefully provide Ryan Nugent-Hopkins with enough time to recover from his illness by then.
News:Ryan Nugent-Hopkins went minus-3 with three shots on goal while losing seven of 12 faceoffs in Tuesday's loss to the Kings.
Analysis: He was on the ice for all three Los Angeles goals, which is pretty tough, though he should get a pass, as it goes, on the empty-netter at the end. RNH has simply not hit his stride yet, as he's got just a single goal on the season and just two points in eight February games. This despite receiving heavy minutes, especially on the power play.
Nugent-Hopkins Bags First Goal Of Season For Oilers
News:Ryan Nugent-Hopkins finally got off the goal-scoring schneid Saturday, lighting the lamp in the second period of Edmonton's 6-4 triumph over Colorado.
Analysis: Those who drafted him with stars in their eyes have been dismayed to watch game after game without a goal. We sense that his second tally will arrive in far fewer than the 13 games it took for the first one. If his owner in your league is still cynical, do what you can to pick him up in trade; his ceiling is very high.
News:Ryan Nugent-Hopkins (shoulder) played 22:03 in his return to action Saturday. He fired two shots, blocked three and threw one hit. Unfortunately, he only won five of 16 faceoffs.
Analysis: He'll get his timing back soon enough. Get him back into your lineup STAT.
Oilers' Nugent-Hopkins Back In The Lineup Saturday
News:Ryan Nugent-Hopkins (shoulder) will return to the lineup Saturday.
Analysis: With five points through nine games, Ryan Nugent-Hopkins has gotten off to a slow start. Prior to suffering the injury, he tallied just one assist in his last four games, but it appears safe to use Nugent-Hopkins as you normally would.
News:Ryan Nugent-Hopkins (shoulder) hopes another rest day Friday will have him ready to suit up for Saturday's game at Detroit. "It was just a little upper-body soreness." Nugent-Hopkins said Thursday."It's day-to-day right now."
Analysis: We'll track the status of Ryan Nugent-Hopkins leading up to Saturday's contest, but Mark Arcobello's demotion to the AHL on Thursday hints that RNH may be a go.
News:Ryan Nugent-Hopkins (shoulder) isn't out of the woods, according to the Edmonton Journal.
Analysis: The Oilers are worried that a hit to the shoulder could sideline the young center. Ryan Nugent-Hopkins will work on strengthening the area but surgery may eventually be required.
News:Ryan Nugent-Hopkins (shoulder) will miss the Oilers' game against Dallas on Wednesday, according to the Edmonton Sun's Rob Tychkowski. "Nuge will not play tonight,"coach Ralph Krueger said Wednesday."He's sore. We expect to see him back in the lineup Saturday. It's short-term for sure."
Analysis: We'll consider Ryan Nugent-Hopkins day-to-day, but Krueger's comments suggest that the center -- who has five assists in nine games to date -- should be a go Saturday against the Red Wings.
News:Ryan Nugent-Hopkins (unspecified issue) was absent from Wednesday's morning skate, Oilers Radio Network's Dan Tencer reports.
Analysis: Tencer notes that Ryan Nugent-Hopkins has been banged up in two of the Oilers' last three games, so for the moment there's some doubt with regards to the forward's status for Wednesday night's game against the Stars.
Nugent-Hopkins' Assist Streak Continues In Oilers' Loss
News:Ryan Nugent-Hopkins posted an assist for the third straight game as Edmonton dropped a close game at Calgary on Saturday night.
Analysis: He has yet to find nylon himself in the team's first four games, but the goals will come.
News:Ryan Nugent-Hopkins has tallied two assists this season in his team's first three games.
Analysis: The Oilers former No. 1 pick from 2011 is coming off a rookie season where he scored 52 points. Ryan Nugent-Hopkins is a part of a young Oilers squad looking for the offense to carry them this season.
News:Ryan Nugent-Hopkins had a goal and three assists in Canada's 6-5 loss to Russia in the bronze medal match at the World Junior Hockey Championship on Saturday. He finished as the top overall scorer with four goals and 11 assists, and was named the best forward at the tournament.
Analysis: He'll be a point-per-game producer in the NHL when (if) the season starts. And he'll likely have more value in single-year leagues this year than many higher-profile veterans who haven't suited up since last season.
Oilers' Nugent-Hopkins Leading World Junior Scoring
News:Ryan Nugent-Hopkins set up three goals in Canada's 4-1 win over Russia at the World Junior Hockey Championship on Monday. He is running away with the tournament scoring lead with 11 points (three goals, eight assists) in four games.
Analysis: It's easy to see his brilliance and his game-changing ability in both ends of the ice. RNH is still just 19, but he's already a guy who can be considered a fantasy pillar in keeper formats.
Oilers' Nugent-Hopkins Leads Canada With Five Points
News:Ryan Nugent-Hopkins had five points to lead Canada to a 9-3 win over Germany in Wednesday's opener at the World Junior Hockey Championships.
Analysis: He showcased his playmaking abilities with four nifty set-ups and added a goal of his own. His linemates Jonathan Huberdeau and Mark Scheifele tallied 10 points in the game.
News:Ryan Nugent-Hopkins has cleared his medicals and will take part in the selection camp for Team Canada's junior hockey team, reports TSN.ca.
Analysis: "I had a really good week of strength and conditioning my shoulder," said Ryan Nugent-Hopkins. "It's going to be awesome to have that opportunity. We want to come back with the gold." He represented Canada at the 2012 IIHF World Hockey Championship this past spring and potted four goals and two assists in six games. He has eight goals and 12 helpers in 19 AHL games this season.
News:Ryan Nugent-Hopkins has been named to Team Canada's selection camp roster for the upcoming World Junior Hockey Championships in Russia, reports Sportsnet.ca. His participation is contingent on his health.
Analysis: He's having his shoulder checked out this week and if he's good to go, he's all but guaranteed a roster spot. His participation in the tourney would boost Canada's already formidable squad.
Oilers' Nugent-Hopkins (Mouth) Expected Back Sunday
News:Ryan Nugent-Hopkins is expected to see ice time Sunday for AHL Oklahoma after missing most of Friday's game after taking a stick to his face, the Edmonton Sun reports.
Analysis:Ryan Nugent-Hopkins was able to return to practice Saturday, wearing a no-contact jersey and cage helmet to provide added protection. It appears he suffered nothing more than having two of his teeth pushed back, which doesn't seem to faze the talented 19-year-old.
News: The Oilers have assigned Ryan Nugent-Hopkins to their AHL affiliate in Oklahoma City, reports TSN.ca.
Analysis: The Barons will be stacked for as long as the lockout goes -- they'll have RNH, Jordan Eberle, Magnus Paajarvi and Justin Schultz on the roster.
News:Ryan Nugent-Hopkins tallied twice for the Oilers in a 3-1 win over the Flames on Friday night. He now has 18 goals on the season.
Analysis: It was the second straight game in which Ryan Nugent-Hopkins scored at least a goal, making up for a slow start to the month of March when he was held goalless for Edmonton's first six games.
News:Ryan Nugent-Hopkins scored the game's first goal at the 7:40 mark of the second period Wednesday night to help lead Edmonton past Columbus, 3-0. He added a power-play assist on Edmonton's second goal of the game.
Analysis: The goal was his first in the month of March. With only five points (1G, 4A) and 12 shots on goal in seven games this month, Ryan Nugent-Hopkins might be feeling the grind of his first pro season. Consistency will come with time.
News:Ryan Nugent-Hopkins scored his 15th goal of the year Wednesday night as the Oilers fell to the Blues 5-2. He's now recorded a point in three straight games since returning from a shoulder injury Feb. 25.
Analysis: He has two goals and an assist over the three games. Ryan Nugent-Hopkins now sits third in rookie scoring, three points behind New Jersey's Adam Henrique despite playing 11 games fewer.
News:Ryan Nugent-Hopkins, who was activated from IR earlier in the day from a shoulder injury, scored the Oilers' lone goal in a loss to the Coyotes on Saturday afternoon.
Analysis: It was nice to get that monkey off his back fast -- he hadn't lit the lamp in his previous 12 games dating back to December 7. Get him back into your lineup STAT.
News:Ryan Nugent-Hopkins (shoulder) was activated from IR on Saturday, EdmontonOilers.com reports.
Analysis: He'll make his return against the Coyotes on Saturday.
News:Ryan Nugent-Hopkins (shoulder) will play against Phoenix on Saturday, EdmontonOilers.com reports.
Analysis: With 35 points (13 goals) in 40 games, those lucky enough to own this super-productive rookie will want him active for Saturday.
News:Ryan Nugent-Hopkins (shoulder) is expected to join contact practice Friday, Oilers Radio Network's Dan Tencer reports.
Analysis: We'll make note if things don't go according to plan, but it looks like RNH is back on track to make a return in the relatively near future. Hopefully a target date is the next bit of news here.
News:Ryan Nugent-Hopkins (shoulder) won't play Thursday against the Flyers, Oilers Radio Network's Dan Tencer reports.
Analysis:Ryan Nugent-Hopkins will be missing his seventh straight game Thursday, will no concrete timetable for his possible return in place.
News:Ryan Nugent-Hopkins (shoulder) was not cleared for contact as of Monday, Oilers Radio Network's Dan Tencer reports.
Analysis: It was originally hoped that Ryan Nugent-Hopkins could get back to work early in the week, but it appears as if it'll take a bit more time before he receives clearance.
News:Ryan Nugent-Hopkins (shoulder) was in a no-contact jersey at practice Thursday and won't play against the Avalanche on Friday, the Edmonton Journal reports.
Analysis: RNH is getting closer after missing 16 games but there's no really no reason to push things either with such a franchise player, especially given the Oilers are so far out of a playoff spot. The current guess is that Sunday's game would be pretty iffy for Ryan Nugent-Hopkins as well, but a return at some point next week, perhaps even early next week, might be a pretty decent bet.
News:Ryan Nugent-Hopkins (shoulder) skated in full gear prior to Wednesday morning's practice, the Oilers' official site reports.
Analysis:Ryan Nugent-Hopkins isn't ready to return to the lineup, but Wednesday's presence on the ice in pads indicates that he is moving closer to game action.
News:Ryan Nugent-Hopkins (shoulder) will be out of the lineup 7-10 days, the team's official Twitter page reports.
Analysis: The 18-year-old has been outstanding in his first season of NHL action. He has recorded 35 points (13G, 22A) and eight PIM in 40 games. While this news is unfortunate for fantasy owners and the Oilers, last year's No. 1 overall pick has lived up to expectations thus far.
News:Ryan Nugent-Hopkins left Monday's game against Toronto after aggravating a shoulder injury and did not return, according to the Edmonton Oilers' Twitter Feed.
Analysis: Bad luck for the the Oil, who are scoring goals in bunches. Ryan Nugent-Hopkins missed 13 games already this season with a shoulder injury and he did not return. The immensely talented youngster played 15:03 before leaving with a minus-3 rating.
Nugent-Hopkins Shines In SO As Oilers Beat Detroit
News: In his first game action after missing 13 starts with a shoulder injury, Ryan Nugent-Hopkins banked the game-winning shootout goal as the Oilers bested the Red Wings on Saturday.
Analysis: He was held scoreless in regulation and overtime, firing only one shot in 24 shifts. We expect quite a bit more offense from him as he eases back into the routine of the Oilers' schedule.
News:Ryan Nugent-Hopkins is set to return for Saturday's tilt against Detroit, according to the Edmonton Journal. He's been out since January 3 with a left shoulder injury.
Analysis: There could be some rust and Detroit has been as stingy as they come in giving up goals lately, but it'd be hard to sit a guy who was producing just under a point-per-game pace prior to his injury, plus, Jimmy Howard will be sitting this one out for the Red Wings. Ryan Nugent-Hopkins is expected to skate between Shawn Horcoff and Ales Hemsky.
News:Ryan Nugent-Hopkins (shoulder) is likely to play Saturday for Edmonton, according to the Edmonton Sun.
Analysis: Coach Tom Renney stated "I'd be surprised if he wasn't ready for Saturday". It seems the Oilers are playing it cautious with RNH as they do believe he could play tonight but want to give him two more days of rest to be sure.
News:Ryan Nugent-Hopkins (shoulder) will miss Thursday's game against Chicago, ESPN Chicago reports.
Analysis: Edmonton was primarily hoping for Ryan Nugent-Hopkins to return during the team's upcoming three-game road trip, anyway, so it would probably be a surprise if he plays before Monday.
Nugent-Hopkins Sheds Non-Contact Sweater At Oilers' Practice
News:Ryan Nugent-Hopkins (shoulder) shed his non-contact jersey for Wednesday's practice, the Oilers' official Twitter feed reports.
Analysis: He's increasing his level of contact in practice this week with the hope of returning during the Oilers' upcoming three-game road trip. The Oilers haven't officially ruled him out for Thursday's game against Chicago, but head coach Tom Renney isn't optimistic about the rookie being ready to return that quickly.
Oilers' Nugent-Hopkins Needs Contact Before Returning
News:Ryan Nugent-Hopkins (shoulder) missed practice Monday because of the flu, but he still needs to take a few practices with contact before returning to the lineup, the Oilers' official Twitter feed reports.
Analysis: Once he's able to get a few practices in without a non-contact sweater, Ryan Nugent-Hopkins should be back in the mix for games soon after. Owners in weekly leagues should probably go elsewhere for another lineup period, however.
News:Ryan Nugent-Hopkins (shoulder) did not practice Monday, the Oilers' official Twitter feed reports.
Analysis: No word yet regarding his expected workload for the upcoming week, but it sounds like Ryan Nugent-Hopkins will be checking in closer to the long end of the three-to-four week timetable initially offered when he suffered his injury.
News:Ryan Nugent-Hopkins (shoulder) is expected to miss the next 3-4 weeks, according to the Edmonton Journal.
Analysis: The shoulder is mosly likely separated, although the Oilers have not confirmed that diagnosis. He suffered the injury while falling into the boards, a non-contact play, just bad luck for the rookie and the Oilers. This injury could also keep Ryan Nugent-Hopkins away from the All-Star game and the festivities that come with it.
