Ryan Nugent-Hopkins facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Ryan Nugent-Hopkins
Nugent-Hopkins with the Edmonton Oilers in February 2022
Born	(1993-04-12) April 12, 1993 (age 32) Burnaby, British Columbia, Canada
Height	6 ft 1 in (185 cm)
Weight	192 lb (87 kg; 13 st 10 lb)
Position	Forward
Shoots	Left
NHL team	Edmonton Oilers
National team	Canada
NHL Draft	1st overall, 2011 Edmonton Oilers
Playing career	2011–present

Ryan Nugent-Hopkins (born April 12, 1993) is a Canadian professional ice hockey player. He plays as a forward and is an alternate captain for the Edmonton Oilers in the National Hockey League (NHL). Fans often call him "Nuge". The Oilers chose him as the very first player in the 2011 NHL entry draft.

Ryan grew up playing hockey in British Columbia. He played for the Burnaby Winter Club and Vancouver North West Giants. Later, he joined the Red Deer Rebels in the Western Hockey League (WHL). During his time in the WHL, he won many awards. Scouts saw his talent and believed he would be the top pick in the NHL draft.

Nugent-Hopkins has been a key player for the Oilers since he started in the NHL at age 18. In his first season (2011–12), he scored 52 points. This earned him a nomination for the Calder Memorial Trophy and a spot on the NHL All-Rookie Team. He had several seasons with over 50 points. In the 2022–23 season, he reached 100 points for the first time. He is one of the longest-serving players for the Oilers. He has helped them reach the Stanley Cup playoffs seven times. In the 2024 Stanley Cup playoffs, he scored a career-high 22 points. This helped the Oilers reach the Stanley Cup Finals for the first time since 2006.

Ryan has also played for Team Canada in international tournaments. He won a gold medal with Team Canada at the 2010 Ivan Hlinka Memorial Tournament. He played for the senior team at the 2012 IIHF World Championship. He also represented Team North America in 2016 and Team Canada in 2018.

Ryan's Early Life

Ryan Nugent-Hopkins was born on April 12, 1993. His parents are Roger Hopkins and Deb Nugent. He started skating when he was just two years old. He trained with his older brother, Adam. Ryan looked up to many hockey players, especially Maurice Richard. Beyond hockey, Ryan was also interested in thoroughbred racing. His grandfather raised and sold horses at Hastings Racecourse in Vancouver.

Ryan's Hockey Journey

Playing as a Youngster

As a young player, Nugent-Hopkins played minor ice hockey for the Burnaby Winter Club (BWC). This was from 2006 to 2008. He first wanted to play for the North Shore Winter Club. But it was too far and too expensive. So, he played one season with the Burnaby Minor team. He also played in the 2005 Quebec International Pee-Wee Hockey Tournament. In eighth grade, Ryan chose to join the Burnaby North hockey academy. This gave him more time on the ice.

In his first year with the BWC, Ryan scored 43 goals and 43 assists. This gave him 86 points. He helped the BWC win the 2007 Western Canadian Bantam championships. In his second year, he was named the 2007–08 BC Hockey Minor Hockey Player of the Year. This award recognized his good sportsmanship, leadership, and hockey skills. He scored 119 goals and 95 assists for 214 points that year. He also helped the BWC win a silver medal in the 2008 Western Canada Bantam championships. He was named the tournament's Most Valuable Player (MVP). He scored 10 goals and four assists in five games. The night before the 2008 Western Hockey League (WHL) Bantam Draft, the Red Deer Rebels called Ryan. They wanted to make sure he would play in the WHL and not go to college. After he confirmed his commitment, the Rebels drafted him first overall.

After being drafted, Nugent-Hopkins played one year in the British Columbia Hockey Major Midget League. He played for the Vancouver North West Giants during the 2008–09 season. At 15, he led the league in scoring. He had 40 goals and 47 assists in 36 games. He helped the Giants win the 2009 BCMML championship. He was also named the MVP of the 2008 Mac's AAA midget hockey tournament. He earned a spot on the All-Star Team.

Playing in Junior Hockey

During the 2008–09 season, Nugent-Hopkins played five games with the Red Deer Rebels. He made his WHL debut on November 7, 2008. He scored his first WHL goal on January 23, 2009. Even though he could only play five games, he scored two goals and four assists. When he joined the Rebels full-time, he went to Hunting Hills High School.

Nugent-Hopkins with the Red Deer Rebels in October 2010

Ryan started his first full season with the Rebels in 2009–10. He scored his first WHL hat-trick on October 2, 2009. He finished the season with 24 goals and 41 assists in 67 games. He won the Jim Piggott Memorial Trophy as the WHL's Rookie of the Year. He was also a finalist for the CHL Rookie of the Year Award.

Before his draft-eligible season, Ryan worked with a personal trainer. He wanted to build muscle and gain weight. He started the 2010–11 season by scoring goals in three straight games. He continued to get points in the next eight games. He finished the 2010–11 regular season leading the league with 75 assists. He was tied for third with 106 points. His great play helped the Rebels win their division. He won the CHL's Top Prospect of the Year award. He also made the WHL East First All-Star Team.

Before the NHL draft, many scouting groups ranked him as the number one player. They praised his skill and ability to create offense.

Joining the Edmonton Oilers (2011–Present)

Starting in the NHL (2011–2013)

On June 24, 2011, the Edmonton Oilers picked Ryan Nugent-Hopkins first overall in the 2011 NHL entry draft. He was the first WHL player chosen first overall since 1996. He signed a three-year contract with the Oilers on July 2, 2011. Some scouts worried about his weight. But Ryan gained weight before training camp. He made his NHL debut on October 9, 2011. He scored his first NHL goal in a 2–1 win. He was the third youngest Oilers player to score his first NHL goal. On October 15, in his third NHL game, he scored his first NHL hat-trick. This was a new team record for the fastest hat-trick in a career.

In his first 11 NHL games, Ryan led all rookies in scoring. He had five goals and six assists. The NHL named him Rookie of the Month for October. By the end of October, he was playing as the center for the Oilers' "Kid Line." This line included Taylor Hall and Jordan Eberle. On November 19, 2011, Ryan had five assists in a 9–2 win. He was the first 18-year-old to get five assists in an NHL game. He was also the fourth to get five points (goals and assists). He was named Rookie of the Month again for November.

Ryan continued to play well. He became the Oilers' first-line center. He also played on the powerplay. In January, he injured his shoulder. He missed 13 games. He returned on February 4 but reinjured his shoulder quickly. Despite missing 20 games, he finished his rookie season tied for rookie scoring. He had 18 goals and 31 assists. On April 23, 2012, he was nominated for the Calder Memorial Trophy (Rookie of the Year). He was also named to the NHL All-Rookie Team.

Because of the 2012–13 NHL lockout, Ryan started the 2012–13 season with the Oklahoma City Barons. This is the Oilers' minor league team. He scored his first two goals in the AHL on October 24. He also worked on winning face-offs and playing a more physical game. By late November, he was second in league scoring with 21 points in 16 games. He then played for the Canadian national junior team in the 2013 World Junior Ice Hockey Championships. After that, he rejoined the Oilers for the shortened NHL season. He finished the season with four goals and 20 assists in 40 games. On April 21, 2013, the Oilers announced he would miss the rest of the season due to another shoulder injury.

On September 19, 2013, Ryan signed a seven-year contract extension with the Oilers. He was expected to miss the first month of the 2013–14 season after shoulder surgery. But he recovered faster than expected. He played his first game on October 7, 2013. He scored one goal. He finished the season with a new career-high of 19 goals and 37 assists for 57 points.

All-Star Appearance and Injuries (2014–2019)

Ryan continued to build muscle in the 2014 offseason. He returned to training camp heavier and stronger. He hoped this would help his 2014–15 season. He worked on his skating, face-offs, and defense. The Oilers also drafted Leon Draisaitl. Ryan returned as the Oilers' first-line center. He started taking on more of a leadership role.

Nugent-Hopkins at the Oilers' training camp, September 2014.

The Oilers struggled in the first half of the 2014–15 season. But Ryan had 25 points by early January. He led all forwards in ice time. He was chosen to represent the Oilers in the 2015 National Hockey League All-Star Game. On March 8, 2015, he scored his second career hat trick. He finished the season with 24 goals and 32 assists. He missed the last four games with a broken foot.

In the 2015–16 season, Ryan had two injuries. These limited him to just 55 games. On January 18, 2016, he injured his hand blocking a shot. He missed almost two months. He returned on March 11 but was reinjured on March 23 with a concussion. He finished the season with 34 points in 55 games.

Before the 2016–17 season, Connor McDavid became the Oilers' captain. Ryan was again named an alternate captain. He played in all 82 games for the first time in his career. He finished with 18 goals and 25 assists for 43 points. The Oilers made the Stanley Cup playoffs for the first time since 2006. Ryan played in his first NHL playoff game on April 12, 2017. He had four assists in 13 playoff games. The Oilers were eliminated in the second round.

Ryan started the 2017–18 season strong. He tied McDavid for the team lead in goals with five in the first 11 games. On January 14, 2018, he fractured his ribs. He missed about a month and a half. When he returned, he started playing as a left winger with McDavid. He played the last 13 games of the season on McDavid's wing. He scored 15 points. This helped him reach a career-high 24 goals and 24 assists in 62 games. On April 23, 2018, he was nominated for the King Clancy Memorial Trophy. This award is for leadership and community work.

Ryan and McDavid remained linemates in the 2018–19 season. Ryan was back on the Oilers' top line as McDavid's left winger. He ended the season with new career highs: 28 goals and 41 assists for 69 points.

Big Seasons and Playoff Success (2020–Present)

In the 2019–20 season, Ryan played mostly as a winger. He nearly matched his career highs in 65 games before the COVID-19 pandemic paused the season. He missed six games due to a hand injury in November. In December, coach Dave Tippett put Ryan, Leon Draisaitl, and Kailer Yamamoto together on the second line. Fans called them the "DYNamite line." Ryan scored 42 of his 61 points in the last 30 games before the season pause. He finished with 22 goals and 39 assists for 61 points.

When the NHL returned for the 2020 Stanley Cup playoffs, Ryan was part of the Oilers' team in the "bubble." The Oilers played in a qualifying round against the Chicago Blackhawks. Ryan had two goals and six assists in four games.

For the 2020–21 season, all Canadian teams played in the North Division. The season was shorter, with only 56 games. Ryan mostly played on McDavid's left wing. He also played as the second-line center with Tyler Ennis and Jesse Puljujärvi. He finished the season with 16 goals and 19 assists in 52 games. He matched many team records. The Oilers advanced to the 2021 Stanley Cup playoffs. They were swept by the Winnipeg Jets in the first round. Ryan had one goal and one assist. After the season, he signed an eight-year contract extension with the Oilers.

In the 2021 offseason, the Oilers added new players like Zach Hyman. Ryan started the 2021–22 season as the Oilers' second-line center. On December 4, he recorded two assists to reach 500 NHL points. He missed time due to COVID-19 protocol and a shoulder injury. He returned to play as the third-line center. He scored 11 goals and matched his career-high 39 assists.

The Oilers finished second in their division in 2021–22. They met the Los Angeles Kings in the first round of the 2022 Stanley Cup playoffs. In Game 3, Ryan scored two goals very quickly. The Oilers won the series. They then beat the Calgary Flames to reach the Western Conference Final for the first time since 2006. They were eliminated by the Colorado Avalanche. Ryan finished the playoffs with a career-high six goals and eight assists in 16 games.

Ryan set personal and team records in the 2022–23 NHL season. He helped the Oilers reach the 2023 Stanley Cup playoffs. He was promoted to the second line with Draisaitl and Hyman. On October 26, 2022, he scored his 200th career NHL goal. On February 23, 2023, he became the ninth-highest point scorer in Oilers history. He recorded his 600th career point. On April 5, 2023, he reached 100 points for the first time in his career. The Oilers became the first team since 1996 to have three players score 100 points or more. Seven days later, he played his 800th game only for the Oilers. He finished the season with a career-high 37 goals and 67 assists for 104 points.

In the 2023 Stanley Cup playoffs, the Oilers faced the Los Angeles Kings. Ryan had four assists in seven games as the Oilers won. He scored his first playoff goal in Game 4 of the second round against the Vegas Golden Knights. He finished the playoffs with 11 points in 12 games. The Oilers were eliminated.

Ryan started the 2023–24 NHL season playing with Hyman and Foegele. He later found a long-term spot on the top line with McDavid and Hyman. During the Oilers' 16-game win streak, Ryan scored three goals. He tied Mark Messier for third place on the Oilers' all-time games played list. He finished the regular season with 18 goals and 49 assists. The Oilers qualified for the 2024 Stanley Cup playoffs.

In the 2024 Stanley Cup playoffs, the Oilers faced the Los Angeles Kings again. Ryan had three assists in Game 3. He had two assists in Game 5 as the Oilers eliminated the Kings. He continued to play well against the Vancouver Canucks. He set new career highs in playoff points. He scored the game-winning goal in Game 7. He scored his fifth and sixth goals in Game 5 of the Western Conference Finals against the Dallas Stars. The Oilers won that series and reached the Stanley Cup Finals for the first time since 2006. He scored his first Stanley Cup Finals goal in Game 4. He played in Game 7 despite being ill.

Ryan started the 2024–25 NHL season with his 700th NHL point on October 12, 2024. He scored his fourth NHL hat trick on March 22, 2025, against the Seattle Kraken.

Playing for Team Canada

Nugent-Hopkins playing for Team Canada in 2012
Medal record
Representing Canada
Ice hockey
Ivan Hlinka Memorial Tournament
Gold	2010 Slovakia

Ryan's international career began with Team Pacific at the 2010 World U-17 Hockey Challenge. He had one goal and four assists in five games. Team Pacific finished fifth. Later, he was an alternate captain for Team Canada at the 2010 Ivan Hlinka Memorial Tournament. He scored the winning goal in the gold medal game against the United States.

He was named to Team Canada's senior team for the 2012 IIHF World Championship. He finished the tournament with four goals and two assists. Team Canada was eliminated in the quarterfinals.

Due to the NHL lockout, Ryan was named captain of Team Canada's junior team for the 2013 World Junior Ice Hockey Championships. He led the tournament in scoring with 15 points in six games. However, the team did not win a medal. This ended Canada's 14-year medal streak in the tournament. Ryan was named the tournament's top forward and made the All-Star team.

Ryan played for Team North America at the 2016 World Cup of Hockey. He had three points in five games. He returned to Team Canada's senior team in 2018 for the 2018 IIHF World Championship. He scored a power-play goal against Russia to help Canada reach the semi-final.

Ryan's Personal Life

Ryan Nugent-Hopkins married Breanne Windle in 2019. They have one child together. Ryan's cousin, Carson Wetsch, also plays ice hockey. Carson was drafted by the San Jose Sharks in the 2024 NHL entry draft.

While playing for the Red Deer Rebels, Ryan was nicknamed "Hoppy." With the Oilers, he became known as "Nuge" or "Nuggy." Sometimes, sports broadcasters shorten his name to "RNH" because it is long.

Career Statistics

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International Play Statistics

Year	Team	Event	Result		GP	G	A	Pts	PIM
2010	Canada	IH18			5	5	2	7	6
2012	Canada	WC	5th		8	4	2	6	4
2013	Canada	WJC	4th		6	4	11	15	4
2016	Team North America	WCH	5th		3	1	2	3	2
2018	Canada	WC	4th		10	5	3	8	2
Junior totals					11	9	13	22	10
Senior totals					21	10	7	17	8

Awards and Honours