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Edmonton Oilers

Forward’s Days with Oilers Possibly Done after Clearing Waivers

Derek Ryan cleared waivers for the Edmonton Oilers on Monday and now the team will have decide what the plan is for the veteran.

Veteran center Derek Ryan will remain in the Edmonton Oilers system after clearing waivers on Monday. That said, his run with the team might be over. According to Sportsnet’s Elliotte Friedman, Ryan can now be loaned to AHL Bakersfield and Oilersnation’s Jason Gregor reports that Ryan will likely be assigned to the AHL’s Bakersfield Condors.

Ryan has been a healthy scratch in 11 of the past 15 games. With the depth on the forward lines for the Oilers, it’s unlikely Ryan’s status will change for the remainder of the season. While not a given, with the trade deadline nearing and as a pending UFA, that might also mean he’s seen his last game with the team.

Derek Ryan Oilers waivers
Derek Ryan Oilers waivers

Once a key member of Edmonton’s third line and a penalty-kill standout, Ryan’s ice time has steadily declined. He’s not the same go-to guy he once was for the Oilers, and with the team looking to give prospect Noah Philp an extended look, it could be some time before the Oilers call on Ryan again.

What’s Next for Ryan and the Oilers?

While he’ll report to the AHL for now, there’s a chance he could return to the Oilers if injuries occur, roster adjustments are needed, or his experience becomes valuable in a playoff push. The Oilers are working the phones ahead of the NHL trade deadline, and Ryan, or someone else, could be involved in a package deal.

Ryan has been a journeyman for the Oilers since his arrival, but he’s in the final season of a deal that pays him $900K this season. It seems unlikely he’ll be back with the Oilers next season, and at 38 years of age, this latest run might be his last in the NHL.



If he does end up retiring after the season, he may go down as one of the more effective players to carve out an NHL career well beyond the age most players enter the league. The Athletic’s Daniel Nugent-Bowman reported on Monday that Ryan was aware this might be coming. He was reportedly told when he signed his latest extension that his second year could mean being cratched and potentially being placed on waivers.

Next: Klingberg Joins Oilers at Practice, Role Hints at Status vs. Capitals

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