Oilers Waive Depth Center, Demote D-Man for Salary Cap Fix

The Edmonton Oilers have waived veteran center Derek Ryan. As part of their plan to get under the salary cap ceiling and operate outside of LTIR, the Oilers are looking for roster space by sending Ryan down to the AHL. The hope by the organization is that he’ll clear as the team makes room to bring in recently acquired defenseman John Klinbgerg.

The #Oilers have placed forward Derek Ryan on waivers & loaned defenceman Josh Brown to the @Condors.

— Edmonton Oilers (@EdmontonOilers) January 19, 2025

The Oilers also sent defenseman Josh Brown back to Bakersfield Condors of the AHL.

These moves appear to be part of the roster management needed not to take the full brunt of the Klingberg contract. And, because the Oilers are giving a look to Noah Philp and want to see what he can do ahead of the NHL trade deadline, Ryan’s placement on waivers was a logical choice for the team. He’s not a regular in the lineup, even though he’s a useful depth forward who kills penalties and wins faceoffs.

Ryan has played in 33 games this season, posting a goal and four assists. At a $900K cap hit, there is a chance another team will pick up Ryan. He’s a useful low-cost option requiring another team not to spend assets to add to their roster.

The Ryan and Brown Moves Make Sense for the Oilers

Ryan is a solid bottom-six forward who plays well on both sides of the puck and has earned every inch of his NHL career as an undrafted player. He has struggled this season, making the decision a logical one for the Oilers.

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Brown was sent down following the Oilers’ grueling road trip. He was brought up for depth, but likely doesn’t have a spot on the NHL team, particularly given the addition of Klingberg and speculation the Oilers would still like to add another blueliner ahead of the trade deadline.

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