FANTASY SPOTLIGHT '15-16: RYAN-NUGENT HOPKINS primepucks.com Mon 8/17/15 5:05 PM

As per Mark Spector for Sportsnet, he believes that Edmonton's RNH could be reaching elite territory as a center in 2015-16. He points out to several key stats that bode well for Hopkin's further fantasy breakout in his fifth year. His 20:38 minutes per game last season were second only to John Tavares amongst all NHL forwards. Also, 22 of his 24 goals were at even-strength, surpassing the likes of Patrick Kane, Jonathan Toews, Sidney Crosby, and Evgeni Malkin. Perhaps you have heard of them? Even though he is coming off two straight 56-point seasons, very few fantasy owners would even dare to mention RNH with those guys when it comes to fantasy relevance. However, it's time to take notice as the present situation in Edmonton can be ripe for the former no. 1 overall pick in 2011 to take another step forward. With the Connor McDavid era about to be ushered in, there is the likelihood that the Oiler offense will boast two dangerous lines for the first time in forever. Hopkins clicked with Jordan Eberle down the stretch in '14-15, collecting 27 points in his last 31 games. New coach Todd McLellan would be wise to keep that duo intact while lining up the ultra-talented tandem of Taylor Hall and McDavid. If the latter can develop quick chemistry and stay healthy, that should free RNH and Eberle from the opposing team's top defensive pairing on many given nights. There are a few "ifs" involved in painting the perfect picture of a RNH huge breakout next season, but he should be able to build on his strong '14-15 second half given he stays healthy and plays 70+ games. ’15-16 PRIMEPUCKS FANTASY FORECAST: 78 GP/ 67 PTS