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Additionally, Rishaug argues that the emergence of Leon Draisaitl as a quality NHL player “absolutely changes the equation” with regard to Nugent-Hopkins, something the Journal‘s Jim Matheson has suggested previously. His strong performance over a 14-game NHL cameo has been one of the most encouraging parts of the 2015-16 season for the Oilers, and along with the arrival of Connor McDavid allows Edmonton to consider moves at centre they otherwise would not.

If Rishaug’s read on the management in Edmonton is correct, it is in many ways a troubling development.

A year ago, Nugent-Hopkins was widely regarded as the team’s most valuable player, even more vital than Taylor Hall, because of his ability to play tough minutes, generate offence and do it all at centre. Prior to his recent slump, he was scoring at a near point-per-game pace while doing the kind of heavy matchup work that allowed Edmonton to deploy Connor McDavid against lesser opponents. It’s also worth noting that a year ago Draisaitl put up all of two goals and nine points in 37 NHL games.

Things can change rapidly, and a year from now or even 40 games from now the perceptions of Nugent-Hopkins and Draisaitl could shift again.

Eberle is more easily replaced than Nugent-Hopkins—skill on the wing being easier to find as a rule than skill at center—but also should not be undervalued. He’s not likely to return to the halcyon days of 2011-12, when a big shooting percentage year helped him to 34 goals and 76 points, but he does rank 36th in total points among forwards over the three-plus seasons since. He’s a first-line talent and not the kind of player readily available in free agency every year.