Oilers core player called out for massive drop in production

The former 1st-overall draft pick clearly had an off-season in 2024-25, recording 20G and 29A in 78 games played, substantially lower than the career-best 104 points he recorded during the 2022-23 season. In fact, even the season following his career-year, he saw a reduction in scoring - 67 points.

According to the Insider, he 'doesn't even need him to score 70 points. I need 60,' his rationale being that RNH plays his minutes with Connor McDavid. I can't say that I agree with his reasoning. At a cap hit of $5.125M over the next four years, even 60 points is not value for the Oilers, who could get that kind of production for much less AAV.

Allen Mitchell of The Athletic in fact, suggests the Oilers need to re-evaluate where RNH's fits in the lineup, if at all, and claims he may not be a fixture on the top-6.

Nugent-Hopkins is the longest standing member of the Oilers and perhaps the most-beloved. Though he's had ups and down, he never complains and does what he's asked; he's very coachable.

Yet, the 32-year old forward seems to have reached a career crossroad, despite his likeability. In 2025-25, even when playing on the top line with McDavid, RHH had a 1.24 points/60 5v5, a critical stat that did not improve, despite playing with arguably the game's best passer.

With youngsters like Isaac Howard and Matt Savoie likely to get looks alongside Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl, and the incoming free agent signing Andrew Mangiapane eager to make his mark on the Oilers, suggests there will be adjustments to the lineup.

Though RNH will get his minutes on the powerplay and penalty kill, it is not enough to validate his $5.125M cap hit, in particular if he's relegated to the 3rd-line. Getting value from his players is critical for Stan Bowman, whose own value to the Oilers will come under sharp criticism if the team takes a step backward next season.

The Oilers' bar has been firmly set with the success of the last two playoffs - anything the team does moving forward will be marked against that success, or lack of it.