Story Summary
Ryan Nugent-Hopkins has become the Edmonton Oilers‘ all-time regular-season games played leader, appearing for the 1,038th time with the club to move beyond Kevin Lowe’s longstanding mark. The Oilers forward reached the milestone against the New Jersey Devils and marked it with a power-play goal in the second period, having already assisted on Evan Bouchard’s first-period goal.
Lowe, a Hockey Hall of Famer and six-time Stanley Cup winner, offered a warm video message to Nugent-Hopkins. He said the record had stood for around 28 years and that he could not think of a more popular Oiler to take it from him.
Key Facts
- Ryan Nugent-Hopkins played his 1,038th regular-season game for the Edmonton Oilers to pass Kevin Lowe for the franchise record.
- Nugent-Hopkins scored a power-play goal in the second period of his milestone game against the New Jersey Devils.
- Nugent-Hopkins also assisted on Evan Bouchard’s first-period goal against New Jersey.
- Kevin Lowe played 1,037 games for Edmonton across 15 of his 19 NHL seasons.
- Lowe won the Stanley Cup six times and is a Hockey Hall of Famer.
- Nugent-Hopkins is in his 16th season with the Oilers, who selected him first overall in the 2011 NHL Draft.
- Nugent-Hopkins has recorded 295 goals and 518 assists in 1,038 games with Edmonton.
IHM Discussion
The record captures more than a large number of appearances. Nugent-Hopkins has spent his entire NHL career with Edmonton, arriving as the first overall selection in 2011 and remaining with the club long enough to pass a figure whose name is inseparable from the Oilers’ championship history.
Lowe’s response gave the occasion its proper tone. He did not present the record as something reluctantly surrendered, instead congratulating Nugent-Hopkins and describing him as a fitting successor. That endorsement carries particular weight given Lowe’s 15 seasons and 1,037 games in Edmonton colours.
Nugent-Hopkins supplied the on-ice punctuation himself. His power-play finish and assist on Bouchard’s goal ensured that the milestone game was not merely ceremonial; he contributed directly on the scoresheet as well.
Why It Matters
Franchise games played records are measures of sustained availability, loyalty and a player’s ability to remain useful through changing teams and eras. Nugent-Hopkins now sits above one of Edmonton’s most decorated former players while continuing to add to the mark in his 16th season.
His career totals of 295 goals and 518 assists underline the offensive contribution made across those 1,038 appearances.
Mini Q&A
Whose Oilers record did Ryan Nugent-Hopkins break?
Ryan Nugent-Hopkins passed Kevin Lowe’s franchise record of 1,037 regular-season games played for Edmonton.
How did Nugent-Hopkins perform in his record-breaking game?
He scored a second-period power-play goal and assisted on Evan Bouchard’s first-period goal against the New Jersey Devils.
How long has Nugent-Hopkins been with Edmonton?
He is in his 16th season with the Oilers after they selected him first overall in the 2011 NHL Draft.
Coach Mark Comment
The custom shirts at Prudential Center were a nice touch, but the power-play goal is the detail that suits Nugent-Hopkins best. A games-played record is built over years of ordinary travel days, practices and shifts; scoring on the night gives the milestone a living hockey moment rather than leaving it as a number on a graphic.
Lowe’s message also matters because it came from the player he passed. There is something fitting about an Oilers great treating the handover as a celebration of the player who has stayed and kept contributing for 16 seasons.
IHM Final View
Ryan Nugent-Hopkins has taken his place at the top of a major Edmonton list, surpassing Kevin Lowe with a milestone performance against New Jersey. Lowe’s public congratulations made clear that the record is being received as a proud moment for both the player and the franchise.