Babcock Wants Nugent-Hopkins to Play Freely With McDavid
Oilers coach Mike Babcock says Ryan Nugent-Hopkins plays too cautiously alongside Connor McDavid and wants him to play at full strength this season.
Mike Babcock says Ryan Nugent-Hopkins holds back too much when he shares the ice with Connor McDavid, and wants the veteran centre to play his own game without deference this season.
"Nugent is a real grafter. The problem is that when you play with Connor and at the same time you're looking over your shoulder, being overly cautious, you stop looking like a complete player. I don't want him playing that way. I want him to play at full strength, give everything and be active. I expect him to play an important role here. He's an incredibly smart hockey player," said Babcock.
Nugent-Hopkins, the first overall pick in the 2011 draft, is preparing for his 16th NHL season. He has 804 points in 1,031 regular-season games (291 goals, 513 assists) and has spent longer with the Oilers than anyone else on the current roster.
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