Oilers Coaching Staff Considering Demotion for Ryan Nugent-Hopkins To Solve a Major Problem

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Liam McCormick
November 27, 2024 (4:27 PM)

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A key element to the success of the Edmonton Oilers is the success of their powerplay, and this season's powerplay has been so ineffective they're considering making a change for the first time in years.

Oilers insider Jason Gregor has revealed that the team is starting to have conversations about making personnel changes on the powerplay.

The most obvious choice is demoting veteran Ryan Nugent Hopkins, who's been on the powerplay for five straight years.

»I do wonder how long before Gulutzan and Knoblauch my understanding is the conversation's already been started, it's just a matter of what point do you make the change.»
- Jason Gregor

Earlier this season, Coach Knoblauch said he was very hesitant to make powerplay changes to the top unit, that's consistently been the best in the NHL.

Now over a quarter of the way through the season, the Oilers powerplay clearly isn't cutting it. The powerplay is only at 15.8%, which ranks 26th in the NHL - that's brutal for a unit with Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl.

On Oilers Nation, Jason Gregor crunched the numbers further and found that the Oilers are shooting much less on the powerplay than last year, with a few caveats.

»Draisaitl is shooting at half his normal rate. Teams have focused on taking away the seam pass to him on the side, but the Oilers need to adjust. It isn't just him though - RNH, Hyman and Bouchard are all shooting at much lower rates.»
- Jason Gregor

Connor McDavid is shooting at a proper rate, but Leon Draisaitl's shots are way down - maybe a sign that opponents have adjusted. Evan Bouchard is on pace to set the NHL record for shot attempts blocked, and Ryan Nugent-Hopkins is shooting less than ever before in his career.

So, the Oilers need to get more shots off in the powerplay. The message will go out to Nuge and Bouchard to get more quality chances on to take pressure off Draisaitl, but if they can't handle that, a change is needed.

The best option for a promotion to the powerplay is obviously Jeff Skinner. It's been suggested before that the Oilers move Skinner to the powerplay as a proven veteran scorer, but he's clearly in Knoblauch's doghouse. In minimal ice time this year, Skinner is shooting frequently and creating offence.

Hopefully the Oilers are able to sort out their powerplay soon, to unlock the next level of success this team is capable of. If they continue at their current rate, it will be a total abject failure from the coaches and players.