Player Discussion Ryan Nugent-Hopkins: #1 in the draft, #1 to be traded

[AM]

I had no time for RNH as a center (regardless of who the wingers were)....and was not impressed by his contract over that span.
His play on the wing - with decent line mates - has improved his game 100%.
If this is the long-term strategy for using RNH, then let's extend using comparables.

rnh couldn’t keep his head above water when he was younger. Now he’s older and there is a better support structure it could easily be orherwisr

 

[nabob]

rnh couldn’t keep his head above water when he was younger. Now he’s older and there is a better support structure it could easily be orherwisr

Yeah he had little to no support for centers behind him and was forced to play some of the most minutes in the league for centers. Didn’t help that he had wingers who wouldn’t buy into system play. Then the last three years his most common winger was Lucic. He actually made Lucic look like a decent NHL player for stretches of time.

 

[Stoneman89]

Nuge was superb last night, and in the OT used his under-rated skating ability to create a grade A chance. And then was back to help out his dman, albeit in vain with no other help coming.

 

[Mr Positive]

well Tippett is messing up our salary cap! Now we'll have to give Nuge 8 million AAV

 

[Bryanbryoil]

Up to 61 points, 8 shy of his career high.

What he needs for new career highs by seasons end (12 more games):

7 more goals
3 more assists
9 more points
39 more shots on goal

All are possibilities if he keeps his level of play up and avoids the sick bug going around the room.