"Baby faced assassin": EDM fans hail $41,000,000 Oilers forward for dropping gloves vs. Neal Pionk in just his fifth career fight

Edmonton Oilers fans on social media heaped praise on forward Ryan Nugent-Hopkins for dropping the gloves against Winnipeg Jets defenseman Neal Pionk during Monday’s 3-1 win.

The scrap unfolded in the first period after Pionk drove Nugent-Hopkins’ head into the boards, prompting the Oilers forward to retaliate with a jab and then square up.

This marked just the fifth career NHL fight for Ryan Nugent-Hopkins, who is currently signed to an eight-year, $41 million contract. Here's how Oilers fans on X (formerly called Twitter) reacted.

One tweeted:

"Nuge!! baby faced assassin."

Another chimed in:

"The Nuge can hold his own! Not only does he play a 200 ft. game but RNH can throw some haymakers!"

Here are some of the other top reactions on X:

"Featherweight is a little insulting. Nuge is probably 6’1 190 and has handled Monahan in the past. Not a fighter, but he’s not 18 any more. More like a middleweight fight. It’s not Garland fighting Hughes," a third fan wrote. "Random spirited bouts with middleweights or lower are always better than staged heavyweight bouts IMO," another posted. "Featherweight" makes you sound ignorant... Cruiserweight would be more apt. Lol," one X user opined. "Nuge is the defending champ," another tweeted.

How has Ryan Nugent-Hopkins fared for the Oilers this season?

#93 Ryan Nugent-Hopkins

Ryan Nugent-Hopkins has been in decent form for the Oilers this season. The 32-year-old forward has accumulated 32 points through 11 goals and 21 assists in 21 games. He has notched three points in the last five games.

Meanwhile, the Edmonton Oilers climbed atop the Pacific Division following the 3-1 win over the Winnipeg Jets on Monday, improving their record to 20-14-6. The Oilers return home against the Boston Bruins at Rogers Place next on Wednesday.

The puck drops at 9:30 p.m. ET.

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Edited by Abhishek Dilta