The Montreal Canadiens Should Target Ryan Nugent-Hopkins

The Edmonton Oilers may need to move a big money-maker such as Ryan Nugent-Hopkins in the future, if so, the Montreal Canadiens should try to trade for him.

In a day where Montreal Canadiens fans were waiting on the future of NCAA free agent Will Butcher, we got different news. The Edmonton Oilers announced that they resigned RFA Leon Draisaitl. Although the possibility of the Habs ever being able to offer sheet him was slim, there was still hope that it could happen.

Draisaitl will be making $8.5 million for the next eight years. To be honest that’s not a bad deal at all. Considering the fact that he had 77 points this season and 16 points in 13 playoff games, many believed he could get even more. On top of that, Connor McDavid will be making $12.5 million at the start of the 2018-2019 season.

It’s good for the Edmonton organization that they have talent worth that kind of money, the issue is the impact it will have on them long-term. According to Capfriendly.com, the Oilers have 24 players signed to the roster for a total of about $66.7 million. The season after that, Edmonton will have 13 players signed to the roster for around $61 million. So using simple math here, 11 less contracts but only $5.7 million less.

That’s a massive problem cap wise. Now why am I focusing on the Oilers here? The reason is simple, they’re going to have to make a move, and it’s going to have to be someone who makes a pretty penny. It’s for this reason why trading for Ryan Nugent-Hopkins would be a good move both ways.

Why The Trade Makes Sense

Nugent-Hopkins makes $6 million for the next four seasons. Additionally, it appears like the hope will be that McDavid and Draisaitl will be the one-two up the middle moving forward.

The Montreal Canadiens have the room for him right now and in the future. They currently still have $8.5 million in cap space which is just waiting to be used. The Habs will also have certain contracts coming off the books at the end of the season in Tomas Plekanec and Torrey Mitchell.

Related Story: Final Year of Tomas Plekanec

It’s a win-win for both teams to make this trade. The Habs get their top six center, and the Oilers’ cap situation gets improved a bit for the time being.

Scouting Report

RNH has been in the league for the past six seasons after being drafted first overall in 2012. His first year ended in him scoring 18 goals and 34 assists in 62 games. The 24-year-old is a great two-way center and makes the players on his line better. He also displays great hockey sense and incredible skating ability.

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This season had Nugent-Hopkins playing a different style. His defensive game came out a lot more which was a great addition to the roster. Unfortunately, he didn’t take as many skilled risks as he used to and it showed in his point totals. RNH finished this season with 18 goals and 25 assists.

It’s a pretty huge milestone for a player like this. You can teach someone how to be a better defender, but your born with skill. It’s very possible that Nugent-Hopkins becomes the overall center the Oilers intended him to be if he can combine both aspects.

Acquiring The Center

A trade for a former first overall pick who happens to be a center is always dicey. With that being said, I don’t think the Canadiens will have to give up too much to acquire him. Although it would be beneficial for both teams, the Oilers need this trade more than the Habs do.

We have to face the facts, Nugent-Hopkins isn’t a number one center, at least not yet he isn’t. A trade like Brendan Gallagher and a first would be more than fair for him. Gallagher is signed for the same term as RNH but for $2.25 million less. He would be a great addition to the Oilers as a pesky presence in front of the net. Also, he’s from Edmonton, so that’s a bonus.

On the Canadiens side, RNH centering a line with Max Pacioretty and Alex Galchenyuk would amazing. Having Nugent-Hopkins and Galcenyuk as your one-two wouldn’t be too bad either.

The deal makes too much sense for it not to happen. Sometime between now and next season, the Oilers will have to get something done to help their cap. If Nugent-Hopkins is the odd man out, it would be in their best interest to give Marc Bergevin a call.

Next: Prospect Competition at Training Camp

Do you think RNH is available? Can the Montreal Canadiens acquire him? Let us know your thoughts in the comments.

Player stats from Hockey-Reference.com