Ryan Nugent-Hopkins Nets Hat Trick, Shows Why He Is Top Rookie

What looked like one hundred hats fell in Edmonton at 16:37 of the second period as Ryan Nugent-Hopkins, the No. 1 overall pick in the 2011 Entry Draft, scored his third goal of the night.

Although Edmonton would go on to lose to the Canucks 4-3, this goal, assisted by the former No. 1 overall pick in 2010, Taylor Hall, signified the birth of a future Calder Trophy candidate out of Edmonton. 

Nugent-Hopkins played exceptionally against the former Western Conference champions, seemingly carrying the Oilers offense throughout the game.

His third goal may have been disputed as Taylor Hall appeared to have touched the puck while it fluttered towards the net.

Ryan's ability to take control of the offense is not up for debate.

His supposed weaknesses, size and strength looked nonexistent on Saturday night. Even though his lanky 6-foot-1, 175-pound frame may appear to be a major detriment, RNH is more than making up his weight in skill on the ice.

Notching a hat trick in only your third NHL game pads a resume pretty well. Overall he has four goals in three games and looks to be primed to lead this Edmonton team to some early victories this season.

Look for Jordan Eberle and Taylor Hall, who are also extremely talented in their own rights, to guide the development of this young star this season. This line is absolutely on fire. 

Hall and Eberle both have three assists in three games for the Oilers, feeding Nugent-Hopkins the puck in areas that give him the ability to score.

Nugent-Hopkins, like most new NHL players, has areas he needs to improve on however. His faceoff percentage was horrible on Saturday, a dismal 27 percent over 15 draws. Without improvement in that area, Edmonton could be in trouble this season even if Nugent-Hopkins plays as well as he has been.

One word of advice, if you haven't picked up Ryan Nugent-Hopkins in your fantasy league, do so immediately. This kid is for real.