Ryan Nugent-Hopkins is set to become an unrestricted free agent this summer and NHL trade rumors are starting to float around that the Edmonton Oilers could trade the former 1st overall pick at the 2021 NHL trade deadline.
TSN’s Ryan Rishaug is reporting, with the NHL trade deadline a few months away, he was told at this point there has been no resumption in contract talks between the Oilers and the Nugent-Hopkins camp. Talks broke off abruptly before the season and its been radio silence since then.
Rishaug went on to say, this is not an asset the organization would want to lose for nothing in free agency, and letting him walk out the door could be a big set back, especially considering the relationship and chemistry with Connor McDavid. Tough decisions ahead for both these sides with clock ticking.
With the flat salary cap next year and the Oilers have a host of RFA’s and UFA’s to sign, they might not be able to afford what Nugent-Hopkins is asking and likely trade him at the trade deadline to get assets back instead of losing him for nothing in the off-season.
