Rumor: Nugent-Hopkins trade talks heating up fast

The Edmonton Oilers' former first overall pick Ryan Nugent-Hopkins has been the subject of trade rumors for years, and his stock may have never been higher than it is right now.

With the Oilers free-falling to the bottom of the standings and Nugent-Hopkins posting 17 points in 23 games, Peter Chiarelli has a very interesting trade chip in his hands to attempt to turn his team's fortunes around.

Nick Kypreos mentioned on Hockey Night in Canada that both the Boston Bruins and Florida Panthers have kicked tires, looking for a top 6 center.

“There was some talk of the Boston Bruins kicking tires,” Nick Kypreos said. “There’s also a lot of talk the Florida Panthers are looking for a top-six player.”

“The problem is, of course, is his salary is still very high at $6 million,” Kypreos went on to say. “But it’s a nice problem for the Oilers to have—that Nugent-Hopkins all of a sudden is making other people around the league notice him.”

There have long been talks that teams such as the Montreal Canadiens and New York Rangers could be involved in a deal for RNH, as he fits a clear need for both clubs.

This may finally be the year where he changes teams.