It was no surprise that Ryan Nugent-Hopkins was invited to Team Canada’s World Junior selection camp.
After a fantastic rookie campaign, one that saw him as a Calder Trophy finalist for rookie of the year, RNH has continued his remarkable play in the AHL for the Oklahoma City Barons.
The only real question surrounding RNH and his fate with Hockey Canada is whether or not the Oilers would let him go, with talk circulating that his injured shoulder isn't quite 100 percent yet.
The Oilers did their due diligence and had the shoulder evaluated before finally agreeing to allow Nugent-Hopkins to play for Canada, but if the talented young centerman’s shoulder isn’t quite healed, was this the best decision for both the player and the franchise going forward?
After being released from the World Junior team as a 17-year-old in 2010, of course Nugent-Hopkins would want to participate in the prestigious tournament.
He has the skills to do so, and will be asked to shoulder (no pun intended) the load for the team, as made evident by his selection as team captain, but if there is a lingering injury he is putt ...
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Article written by Adam Bowen
Edmonton Oilers: Should Ryan Nugent-Hopkins Play in the World Junior Tournament?
December 21st, 2012 by Adam Bowen Leave a reply »
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