Nugent-Hopkins Signs Eight-Year Extension With Oilers
The Edmonton Oilers signed forward Ryan Nugent-Hopkins to an eight-year, $41 million contract extension. The deal also includes a no-movement clause.
SPECTOR’S NOTE: Scratch one of the notable names from this summer’s list of potential unrestricted free agents.
Ryan Nugent-Hopkins signs an eight-year extension with the Edmonton Oilers (NHL Images).
Nugent-Hopkins, 28, is completing a seven-year, $42 million contract. He was selected first overall by the Oilers in the 2011 NHL Draft, going on to tally 478 points in 656 games.
He’s taking a pay cut from a $6 million annual average value to $5.125 million to stay in Edmonton but this deal ensures him a longer contract. It’s a wise move on his part given the uncertainty created by a salary cap expected to remain near the current $81.5 million for the next several seasons.
Nugent-Hopkins is a versatile forward, playing center or wing and seeing plenty of duty on the Oilers’ power-play and penalty kill. He had two 60-plus points seasons in 2018-19 and 2019-20 but his numbers dropped this season to 35 points in 52 contests. That decline could be attributable to the shortened schedule.
The annual average value is fine for a player of Nugent-Hopkins’ current abilities, However, the length of the deal could become an issue over the final four years when he’ll be in his mid-thirties. That’s usually when a player’s performance deteriorates. This contract could become a costly headache if this season’s drop in his production signaled the start of his decline.
Nugent-Hopkins’ no-movement clause does not apply to the upcoming expansion draft. The Oilers still have to put him on their protected list.
This signing will leave the Oilers with over $65 million invested in 19 players. Their other notable free agents include pending UFA goaltender Mike Smith defensemen Adam Larsson and Tyson Barrie.
TOOOOOOOO long
Eight years…4 years and praying for an equipment allergy…..
Yeah whatever. Nuge forever
No it not too long nudge will play best till his 40 so I disagree with lyle from
This could give us a hint of things to come with UFA’s. The common feeling was that Nugent-Hopkins could command $6 million, possibly more, but he signed when given long-term security with the team he wants to play for. Good for him, good for the Oilers.
Look at the over 30 guys who are now taking league minimum or near it to find a role on a good young team. RNH taking less for the long term insures that he won’t be scrambling in 4 or 5 years to take a roster spot at the league minimum. He will at least have a buyout windfall in 5 or 6 years. Smart move.
I suspect this sets the bar for guys like Hyman, who might go for something similar. In a few years, if the cap starts going up again, this sort of salary hit will be a smaller percentage of team payroll, and a player who is alreadt on a young team can cement his spot in a place that he knows well.