Oilers appear to be finalizing roster move for forward after AHL signing

Reporters in Bakersfield recently reported the Oilers were trying to recall Derek Ryan, and while it hasn't happened yet, there may be a real reason for the delay.

Last night, the Bakersfield Condors went without 6 players and recently lost 2 more. Interestingly, Derek Ryan was on the list of players listed as not available, meaning he could already be on his way to Edmonton.

In addition, the Condors called up forward Ethan Keppen from the ECHL, and signed Kyle Mayhew to an amateur tryout contract. Both forwards are career minor leaguers.

This will give the Condors some much needed extra bodies, and perhaps give them the opportunity to officially return Ryan to the Oilers.

These moves seem to align as precursors to calling up an AHL forward, especially after Zach Hyman suffered an injury. Thankfully he was listed as a game time decision, which suggests it may be a minor problem.

It was an extremely tough decision to send down the 38 year old veteran center the first time. Derek Ryan has been a leader in the locker room for years, plays an important 4th line faceoff specialist role, and has his whole family still in Edmonton.

Earlier this season, Coach Knoblauch essentially promised that Derek Ryan would be brought back up at some point this season. They'd surely like him in the locker room for the playoffs, and will find a way to make it happen.

The priority for the Oilers seems to be getting Ryan's leadership back in the locker room, and even if the move is delayed it eventually will happen.

A roster move would be great news for the veteran fam favourite, who does deserve to hang around the big club for the final playoff run of his career.