Derek Ryan

Derek Ryan's Time with the Oilers: A Rollercoaster Ride Ends With Waivers

The Edmonton Oilers have placed forward Derek Ryan on waivers, marking a significant shift for the veteran player and raising questions about his future in the NHL. This move, confirmed by multiple news outlets, has sent ripples through the Oilers fanbase and the wider hockey community. The Oilers also sent defenceman Josh Brown to the AHL, further shaking up the team's roster.

Recent Updates: Ryan on Waivers, Brown to the AHL

This past Sunday, the Edmonton Oilers made a couple of roster moves. According to reports from both the Edmonton Journal and Sportsnet, Derek Ryan was placed on waivers while Josh Brown was loaned to the Bakersfield Condors of the American Hockey League (AHL).

These moves come as the Oilers are looking to make adjustments to their lineup. Ryan, who has been with the Oilers for four seasons, has played in 33 games this season, contributing 5 points (1 goal, 4 assists). The Oilers official twitter account also confirmed this move, stating that if Ryan goes unclaimed on waivers, he will join Brown in Bakersfield.

Derek Ryan's Journey: From Undrafted to NHL Veteran

Derek Ryan's career is a testament to perseverance and dedication. Born in 1986, Ryan was never drafted into the NHL. He carved his own path, playing four seasons of Canadian university hockey before pursuing a professional career in Europe. It was in Europe that he honed his skills and caught the attention of NHL scouts. At the relatively late age of 29, Ryan made his NHL debut.

His journey is an inspiring story of an "undersized overachiever," as described by the Edmonton Journal. Standing at 5-foot-10 and weighing 170 pounds, Ryan has defied expectations, playing over 600 NHL games. He's become known for his reliability in the faceoff circle and his consistent work ethic.

The fact that Ryan continued to improve as a player well into his 30s is a testament to his commitment to the game. By the time he arrived in Edmonton at the age of 34, he had established himself as a valuable bottom-six forward, providing leadership and experience to the Oilers.

It is worth noting that the name "Derek Ryan" is not unique. There is also an Irish singer with the same name, born in 1983, who was a member of the boy band D-Side. However, our focus in this article is solely on the NHL player, Derek Allen Ryan.

Immediate Effects: Uncertainty for Ryan and the Oilers

The immediate effect of placing Derek Ryan on waivers is that other NHL teams have the opportunity to claim him. If another team picks him up, the Oilers will lose him for nothing. If he goes unclaimed, he will be assigned to the Bakersfield Condors.

The decision to put Ryan on waivers suggests that the Oilers are looking to make changes to their roster. He had been a healthy scratch in 11 of Edmonton's last 15 games, indicating that he was not a regular part of the team's plans. This move could be a strategic decision to free up cap space or to give younger players an opportunity.

For Ryan, the move creates uncertainty about his future in the NHL. At 38 years old, it is unclear if he will be able to continue his NHL career with another team. As one fan put it, this could be "probably the last time we see DR" in the NHL.

Future Outlook: What's Next for Ryan and the Oilers?

The future for Derek Ryan and the Oilers hinges on whether he will be claimed off waivers. If another team picks him up, it would provide him with a new opportunity to continue his NHL career. However, if he goes unclaimed, he'll join the Condors, potentially ending his NHL journey.

For the Oilers, this move is a clear indication that they are looking to make changes. Whether this move will ultimately benefit the team remains to be seen. The team is currently battling for a playoff spot and every roster move is crucial.

The Oilers’ decision to place Ryan on waivers is a reminder of the harsh realities of professional sports. Even veterans with strong work ethics and impressive careers can find themselves facing an uncertain future. This will be a key storyline to follow in the coming days and weeks.

This situation also highlights the importance of depth within a team's roster. The Oilers are clearly trying to find the right mix of players to achieve their goals, and sometimes that means making difficult decisions about veteran players like Derek Ryan. The team's actions will likely be scrutinized by fans and analysts alike as they try to navigate the rest of the season.

In conclusion, the placing of Derek Ryan on waivers marks a significant moment in his career and in the Edmonton Oilers’ season. While it brings uncertainty for Ryan, it also points to the team's intent on making changes as they push toward the playoffs. Only time will tell how these moves will play out, but the story of Derek Ryan and the Oilers is far from over.