Ryan Nugent-Hopkins' future at a crossroads with Edmonton Oilers

Edmonton Oilers veteran forward Ryan Nugent-Hopkins is beginning to show significant signs of struggle, and the team may be reaching the point where he needs to be demoted out of the top six.

Nugent-Hopkins has looked a step behind for much of this season, raising some criticism for the Oilers veteran and previous demotions to the third line already.

Ryan Nugent-Hopkins No Longer Producing Quality Results in Oilers Top Six

It's hard to even muster criticism for the fan favourite veteran, after 922 NHL games and soon turning 32 years old, Nuge could be showing signs of decline with age.

Last season Nuge paired with McDavid and Hyman to form one of the most dominant offensive lines in the NHL, but this season, Nugent-Hopkins isn't contributing to the line's success - the results suggest Nuge is holding them back.

McDavid without Nuge: 2.84 pts-60; 39, 4-12-16 in 338:12 (.41 pts-game)

McDavid with Nuge: 2.55 pts-60; 38, 5-9-14 in 329:07 (.37 pts-game)

McDavid overall: 2.7 pts-60; 39, 9-21-30 in 667:19 (.77 pts-game)

Oilers analyst Alan Mitchell raised some glaring statistics about McDavid performing better away from Nugent-Hopkins this season.

I expressed real concern about Nuge above, and will tell you that it is my opinion he is not going to be playing on the McDavid line for much longer. Nuge as a scorer and outscorer is not moving the needle anymore.

- Alan Mitchell

After his magical 104 point season just two years ago, Nugent-Hopkins' scoring has plummeted.

This season Nuge has only 11 goals and 24 points in 41 games while getting prime opportunities - but he's on pace for his worst scoring year since McDavid's rookie year.

Ryan Nugent-Hopkins May Soon See Demotion from Coach Knoblauch

Considering this information and the 41 game sample size behind it, the Oilers are at a crossroads with moving down Nugent-Hopkins as he ages to a third line role.

This may also open up a spot for a left winger to be elevated in the lineup - perhaps Jeff Skinner, or prospect Matthew Savoie in the future.

It's unfortunate to see a fan favourite and loyal Oiler like Nuge have a tough year. Regardless of any decline with age, he will be an Oiler for his whole career.