Most underrated Oilers forward making a case for Team Canada after camp invitation

Before NHL training camps opened up this season, Nugent-Hopkins was one of 4 Oilers to be invited to Team Canada's Olympic Orientation Camp. He's clearly a player that's under consideration, and his season is going to really help his case.

Despite missing some time with injury, Nuge is on pace for one of his best career seasons. At his current scoring pace, he'd put up 90 points over 82 games. He's an extremely effective 2-way player, but he's been shining in the powerplay this year.

Nuge is a special type of player who has great talent on his own, but his style has developed to elevate the play of all those around him. Whenever he's out of the Oilers lineup, his absence is felt at all situations.

For his complimentary play and ability for strong two-way play anywhere in the lineup, he could be a really valuable situational player for Team Canada.

As far as 4th line centres go, Nuge would be the best to be a defensively reliable player capable of passing to elite wingers and contributions offence. Oilers fans are starting to notice, and hopefully Hockey Canada is too.

Even if he doesn't make Team Canada, Nuge is having a season worthy of recognition in year 15 of his Oilers career. At the very least, Oilers fans are rightfully recognizing his great year.

We'll see if he does make the Team Canada roster cut when official rosters are finalized on December 31st.