Oilers should make exception for Nugent-Hopkins on franchise rule

The Oilers have long held a franchise rule of only retiring jersey numbers of players who reach the Hockey Hall of Fame. Ryan Nugent-Hopkins may not reach that milestone, but he's already become a fixture of the team forever.

Now 32 years old with 788 career points, Nuge isn't a lock for the Hall of Fame in his career. But his Oilers career and meaning to this team has some fans wondering if the organization should make an exception for him, and retire his jersey when his career is over.

The Oilers rightfully are cautious with jersey retirements, seeking only to represent the best of the best among the NHL. Nugent-Hopkins may not be a league superstar, but few others have given more to the Oilers.

Especially if the Oilers can win a Stanley Cup in his time with the team, Nugent-Hopkins would be on track to have a career worthy of jersey retirement. He could end up near 1000 points, the all-time Oilers games played leader, and hopefully a Cup Champion.

It shouldn't be forgotten that Nuge took a massive contract discount to stay with the Oilers. He's currently on an 8-year contract with a bargain annual salary of $5.125M.

Although the Oilers are strict with their jersey retirements, they also allegedly have some unofficially retired jerseys too. Corey Perry was denied wearing 94, which caused speculation that the Oilers would retire Ryan Smyth's number.

To two people that have meant so much to the city of Edmonton in Nugent-Hopkins and Smyth, the Oilers should consider putting their Hall of Fame rule to the side.

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