By the Numbers: #93—Loyal Oil
In the high-octane history of the Edmonton Oilers—a franchise defined by the high-flying dynasty years and the current wizardry of Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl—the number “93” represents something entirely different: unwavering loyalty. While legends have moved on or returned as shadows of their former selves, Ryan Nugent-Hopkins has achieved a feat no one else in the organization’s history can claim. He is the first and only player to skate in 1,000 games while wearing only the Edmonton Oilers jersey.
A Historic Milestone
When the Oilers called his name first overall in 2011, "Nuge" was tasked with helping to lift up a struggling team. Fast forward to January 18, 2026, and that weight has been replaced by the ultimate veteran respect. On that night against the St. Louis Blues, he officially hit the 1,000-game mark. Nugent-Hopkins stands alone. He didn't just reach 1,000 games; the former Red Deer Rebel did it as a "Forever Oiler", never once playing for another NHL team.
The Versatile Engine
His career stats tell a story of a player who never stopped developing. While sitting on 793 career points, his breakout 104-point season in 2022-23 proved he could still score with the best of them, but his real value is found in the dirty work. Seemingly, he is the tactical glue coaches trust to anchor a historic power play one minute and kill off a 5-on-3 disadvantage the next. Whatever role he has been tasked with, he is—undoubtedly—the part of the engine that keeps the Oilers' top six balanced.
93: A Legacy of Loyal Oil
Beyond the box score, Ryan Nugent-Hopkins is the bridge between eras. He has played for nine different head coaches, seven general managers, and he has watched teammates (and, of course, coaches and GMs) come and go through a revolving door. Through it all, he stayed put. When he signed an eight-year extension worth $41 million, it was a definitive declaration: he wanted to see the job through in the city that drafted him.
In an era of league-wide movement, number “93” is the rare constant. He is the quiet leader and the professional’s professional. Ryan Nugent-Hopkins isn't just an Edmonton Oiler; he is the personification of franchise pride.