BLOG: Nugent-Hopkins prefers centre; wants consistent wingers

EDMONTON, AB -Ryan Nugent-Hopkins isn't trying to cut out the middleman.
The Oilers forward played both wing and centre in the 2018-19 season, establishing new career highs in goals, assists and points with 28, 41 and 69, respectively, while also suiting up in all 82 Oilers outings for just the second time in his eight seasons in the League.
"I definitely am more comfortable as a centreman," Nugent-Hopkins said Sunday at his exit interview with the media. "If I do get thrown on the wing, I think I can go there without adjusting too much now."
A natural pivot though, Nugent-Hopkins disclosed why playing up the middle benefits him more as a skater.
"For me, I move my feet a lot more when I'm centre," he said. "I'm involved in the play a lot more as opposed to just watching it. Sometimes it's hard to get yourself going as a winger because you can go a shift or two shifts without touching the puck sometimes and that's just how it is.
"As a centre, you're always involved in the play and that helps you get into the game and feeling good."
The 25-year-old bounced around from manning his own unit to flanking Connor McDavid throughout the season, and liked the consistency of playing with routine linemates, which wasn't the case in 2018-19.