Oilers Forward About to Make History

Edmonton Oilers forward Ryan Nugent-Hopkins is looking to make history tonight. He is about to pass Kevin Lowe for most games played as an Oiler.

Ryan Nugent-Hopkins made an immediate impression in his NHL debut on Oct. 9, 2011. At just 18 years old, the Edmonton centre logged 17 minutes under head coach Tom Renney and delivered a memorable introduction, scoring with five minutes remaining to send the Oilers’ matchup against Pittsburgh to overtime after beating Penguins goaltender Brent Johnson.

That night at Rexall Place, the Oilers lineup featured a collection of familiar names, including Jordan Eberle, Taylor Hall, Shawn Horcoff, Ales Hemsky, Ryan Smyth, Anton Lander and Magnus Paajarvi up front. Jeff Petry, Ladislav Smid and Theo Peckham anchored the defence, with Devan Dubnyk getting the start in goal.

Oilers Legend Happy for Nugent-Hopkins

A true Oiler through and through, Ryan Nugent-Hopkins remains the last player from Edmonton’s lineup 15 years ago. On Tuesday night in New Jersey, he’ll add another milestone to his legacy, becoming the franchise’s all-time games-played leader with 1,038 appearances.

He’ll move past Hall of Famer Kevin Lowe’s 1,037 games played between 1979 and 1998. The Oilers’ first-ever NHL draft pick, Lowe won five Stanley Cups in Edmonton before heading to New York, where he captured a sixth with the Rangers. He eventually returned to Edmonton, bringing his playing career to an end due to vertigo issues.

“He’s been a solid player and a fan favourite since he arrived,” said Lowe.

“Playing that many games for one organization says tons about his talent, consistency and, of course, his character. He’s been through the highs and lows as an Oiler said Lowe. “But through it all, he’s represented the Oilers and the city of Edmonton with class.”

Nugent-Hopkins has shared the ice with approximately 250 different Oilers throughout his career. Including 36 teammates during his rookie season in 2011-12. His longest-running partnerships have been with Leon Draisaitl (870 games) and Connor McDavid (809). Before them, Jordan Eberle spent 438 games alongside Nugent-Hopkins before being traded to the Islanders for Ryan Strome. Taylor Hall played 255 games in Edmonton before being dealt to New Jersey for Adam Larsson.