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Former Oiler Derek Ryan reveals bitter feelings towards GM Stan Bowman
Photo credit: USA Today Sports
Former Oilers forward Derek Ryan has confirmed his plans to retire this offseason, and also revealed some bitter feelings towards management for how his career ended.
Now 38 years old, Ryan spent the last 4 seasons of his career with the Edmonton Oilers. He only got to play 36 games in the NHL last year as he slowed down with age, and was put on waivers to be sent to AHL for much of season.
Derek Ryan reveals tough feelings towards Oilers' management for handling his last season
In a recent interview with insider Bob Stauffer on OilersNow, Ryan didn't shy away from directly claiming that the new management group didn't respect the work he gave the team in previous years.
It was a little bitter for me just because of how things were handled with the new management, the somewhat new coaching staff and just kind of the brick work that I had laid with that group. The blood, sweat, and tears that I had given with that group in three and a half years, just to have it brushed under the rug, is pretty disappointing. I don't think it would have been that way if the management wouldn't have changed.»
- Derek Ryan
- Derek Ryan
Later on, Ryan specifically mentioned that he found communication with the new management group far more difficult than the Ken Holland-led group. Additionally, Ryan's family resided in Edmonton while he had to travel to play for the AHL team in California.
Derek Ryan had an incredible career to make his NHL at 30 years old and go on to play 606 career games. In his time with the Oilers, Ryan was a much-needed defensive specialist and locker room leader.
However, the Oilers didn't make a wrong call by cutting him from their roster last season.
The NHL is a hard league, and Ryan was beat out by younger players with more upside. Oilers fans and teammates will remember Ryan very fondly, but it's unfortunate to hear he didn't go out on his own terms.
| POLL | ||
SEPTEMBRE 5 | 428 ANSWERS Former Oiler Derek Ryan reveals bitter feelings towards GM Stan Bowman Do you think Derek Ryan was handled poorly by Oilers' management? | ||
| Yes | 277 | 64.7 % |
| No | 151 | 35.3 % |
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