Oilers have a way to keep 38 year old veteran forward Derek Ryan next season
Photo credit: Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports
The Edmonton Oilers have called up forward Derek Ryan to the Bakersfield condors after the Oilers had suffered several injuries to their leadership group including Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl.
The leadership of the team took a major hit in their last game after several of them were injured which left a void in the teams main voices.
Ryan providing leadership role while key players remain out
After the call up was announced, Ryan spoke to the media explaining that the players welcomed him back with open arms and gave him hugs all the way from the coaching staff down to the third and 4th liners.
Earlier this year, Ryan was placed on waivers to which he cleared and was sent down to the Condors which many felt could be his final team he would play for.
He chose thought to be bitter about that emotion and explained but he will do all he can to get back to the Oilers as soon as possible.
«I tried not to have any of the sour attitude that can come with that from some guys. It is what it is,» Ryan said back in February. «I think I'm going to be up back with the Oilers at some point.
I think I can help them. But at the same time, I think I can help the Condors here in Bakersfield, and I have a job to do here, so I'm just making the most of it and can't focus on what's too far in front of me, just focusing on what I can do each and every day, there's a lot of great guys here, a lot of great players.
I'm an older guy, a veteran guy. I can be a leader and show the younger guys what it takes to be a pro. I've been a pro for a long time.
Nobody wants to be around the guy who's coming down here and is sour and thinks he's better than everybody else. I'm just trying to carry myself in the same way I have the last nine years in the NHL and doing what I can to help the team win.» - Derek Ryan
I think I can help them. But at the same time, I think I can help the Condors here in Bakersfield, and I have a job to do here, so I'm just making the most of it and can't focus on what's too far in front of me, just focusing on what I can do each and every day, there's a lot of great guys here, a lot of great players.
I'm an older guy, a veteran guy. I can be a leader and show the younger guys what it takes to be a pro. I've been a pro for a long time.
Nobody wants to be around the guy who's coming down here and is sour and thinks he's better than everybody else. I'm just trying to carry myself in the same way I have the last nine years in the NHL and doing what I can to help the team win.» - Derek Ryan
Ryan's future with Oilers could see another role after this season
It's difficult to predict what will happen to Ryan's future with the Oilers after the season is over as many feel that he may hang up his skates as he is 38 years old.
Several players in the NHL who have grown and developed bonds with their teams as they approached retirement found themselves working for the organization after they left the game.
"I was able to go down there & play in every situation. Try & have a profound impact on those young guys that are grinding & trying to work their way to the NHL." Derek Ryan on his time with Bakersfield.
With the strong ties to the Oilers, there is a possibility that the Oilers may offer Ryan a potential job as a coach who may help mentor other players whether it's through the Oilers or through the Condors.
No matter the case, the Oilers are looking for his leadership now and hopes the team will continue a strong finish to the end of this season as they attempt to lock up the Pacific division title.
Source: Oilersnation
Oilers recall forward Derek Ryan from AHL Condors
Oilers recall forward Derek Ryan from AHL Condors
| POLL | ||
MARS 24 | 390 ANSWERS Oilers have a way to keep 38 year old veteran forward Derek Ryan next season Do you think the Edmonton Oilers would offer Derek Ryan a coaching job after he retires? | ||
| Yes | 280 | 71.8 % |
| No | 110 | 28.2 % |
| List of polls | ||
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