The weight of expectations in Edmonton is something I addressed in the Taylor Hall profile. The Edmonton Oilers boast a history that only a handful of teams can hold a candle to. Though they are considered a relatively young franchise, five Stanley Cups in forty years (33 in the NHL) is a fairly impressive franchise resume.

The names that took the ice are even more impressive. Though the fans in Edmonton have been supportive and passionate about their hockey team, they haven’t had a reason for real optimism. Until now.

Ryan Nugent-Hopkins is keenly aware of the legacy he plays before. Being a center on the Edmonton Oilers, RNH has made it clear he intends to carve out his own place in franchise history rather than attempt to be the next of anyone.

A fast start to his career had Nugent-Hopkins finding the net in dramatic fashion. A late game tying goal against the Pittsburgh Penguins sent the Oilers to overtime. They would win the season opener in a shootout, a healthy dose of optimism that would last for a couple months.

Nugent-Hopkins would finish the season with 18 goals and 34 assists despite missing 20 games with a recurring shoulder injury. At 175-pounds soaking wet, the young rookie would finish the season as the runner up to rookie of the year and number two draft pick Gabriel Landeskog.

Moving forward, it would certainly behoove the Oilers brass to fatten up their “Golden goose” to withstand the rigors of an 82-game season. Nugent-Hopkins has a game based on speed and finesse. His body will get bigger and stronger and his slight build will fill out as he matures. His game above the shoulders seems to already be matured well beyond his years.

So fantasy owners and Edmonton Oilers fans rejoice that Ryan Nugent-Hopkins is on your team. He will center a line with two fellow first round picks, Taylor Hall, Jordan Eberle with this year’s top pick Nail Yakupov thrown in the mix just for fun. If you aren’t on the Oiler’s bandwagon yet, climb aboard, this team will be fun to watch for years to come.