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Only two players have ever suited up for 1,000 or more games with the Edmonton Oilers. Defenseman Kevin Lowe appeared in 1,037 games for the franchise during his career. On Tuesday, Ryan Nugent-Hopkins eclipsed that mark, becoming the all-time leader in games played for the Oilers.
Nugent-Hopkins was selected first overall in the 2011 NHL Draft. While he may not have developed into the superstar many anticipated, his career has been remarkable in its own right. Following Tuesday's game, the Oilers star shared his feelings about the in-game tribute that honored his milestone.
"I feel the love," Nugent-Hopkins said, via NHL.com. "Having a video that they shared with me was definitely special. To have experienced a lot of these games with a few of the guys in here, it's pretty special. I'm very lucky and fortunate to have been able to hit this milestone with this team."
Unfortunately, Edmonton could not secure a win to celebrate Nugent-Hopkins' achievement. The Oilers lost to Connor Hellebuyck and the New Jersey Devils in a shootout, though they did earn a point in the standings. Nugent-Hopkins made an impact in the contest, scoring a goal and adding an assist.
This season, the veteran forward has recorded four goals and nine points in seven games. He has put together an incredible career to this point and still has several seasons remaining. As the 2026-27 campaign continues, his contributions on the ice will be closely watched.
Key Analysis
Nugent-Hopkins' milestone underscores his durability and longevity with the Oilers, a franchise that has seen few players reach such heights. While the loss to the Devils dampened the celebration, his individual performance and emotional response highlight the significance of the achievement. With several seasons left in his career, Nugent-Hopkins continues to add to his legacy in Edmonton.
Originally reported by yahoo.