Oilers Celebrate Ryan Nugent-Hopkins’ 1,000th NHL Game Milestone

The Edmonton Oilers will honour forward Ryan Nugent-Hopkins on March 17, 2024, as he reaches the significant milestone of playing in his 1,000th game in the National Hockey League (NHL). The ceremony will take place prior to the game against the St. Louis Blues at Rogers Place in Edmonton, where teammates, family members, and special guests are expected to attend.

Nugent-Hopkins, 32, will become only the second player in Oilers history to achieve this milestone while exclusively playing for the team, following teammate Adam Henrique, who reached the same mark earlier this season. Both players were finalists for the prestigious Calder Trophy for rookie of the year in 2012, though they lost to Gabriel Landeskog of the Colorado Avalanche.

Reflecting on the achievement, Nugent-Hopkins expressed his gratitude, stating, “It means a lot to be the first player to play his first 1,000 games with the Oilers. I’ve been very fortunate to be drafted here and to this organization, to be able to stick around through some tough times and to have the trust with the organization behind me. It’s a huge honour for me. It’s been a privilege to play these years here in Edmonton, and with such a great group and great group of fans.”

Nugent-Hopkins stands out as the longest-tenured player in the Oilers’ roster. The Burnaby, B.C., native was selected first overall in the 2011 NHL Draft. As of the game on March 16, 2024, he had accumulated 282 goals and 503 assists, totalling 785 points across 998 NHL games.

His versatility on the ice has made him a significant asset to the Oilers, as he contributes to both the power play and penalty-killing units, in addition to being among the top six forwards during five-on-five play. Notably, he recorded his first 100-point season three years ago, showcasing his offensive skills.

The Oilers’ recognition of Nugent-Hopkins’ contributions to the team and the community highlights not only his personal achievements but also his role in the franchise’s history. As he approaches this milestone, fans and teammates alike look forward to celebrating a player who has dedicated over a decade to the organization.