As the Oilers build a new core around their promising youth, and with Taylor Hall and Jordan Eberle gone, many are curious to see what the future holds for the 24-year-old. In fact, his time with Edmonton could be winding down.
Nugent-Hopkins played in all 82 games for the first time in his career this past season, putting up 18 goals and 43 points. Though he was a minus-10, he had 48 takeaways for just 30 giveaways and again showed his worth as a two-way centre.
This coming season, Nugent-Hopkins finds himself in a tough spot. Leon Draisaitl seems prepared to centre his own line, and Ryan Strome is versatile enough to serve as a centre or winger.