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Oilers make roster move to bring back player after locker room was unhappy with decision


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Liam McCormick
March 18, 2025  (10:20)
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Derek Ryan with the Edmonton Oilers
Photo credit: USA Today Sports

The Edmonton Oilers have officially recalled forward Derek Ryan from the Bakerfield Condors, after some reports suggested the team was unhappy he was let go.

The Oilers were rumoured to be completing this roster move earlier this week, and it looked to be a sure thing once the Condors signed a player to an AHL tryout.

Oilers officially recalled forward Derek Ryan

The Oilers officially announced the news of the recall this morning, and Ryan will join the team for their four game home stand in Edmonton.
It's great to see for the 38 year old veteran forward, as it was a real tough decision to cut him from the team in the first place. Ryan's family had to stay in Edmonton while he was cut for younger options and sent to California.
Ryan has been a fantastic leader and role player for the Oilers for the last 4 seasons.
Oilers insiders have previously reported that players on the roster weren't happy with the decision to cut Ryan, as he was a really important figure in the locker room.
I agreed with the decision to send Derek Ryan to the AHL. But we should not assume that was a happy circumstance in the Oilers' dressing room. I suspect Stan Bowman discovered just how close-knit that group in there is.

- Kurt Leavins

Derek Ryan will come back to play limited 4th line minutes as a faceoff specialist and penalty killer if he does get back into the lineup, but even if he remains on the bench, he'll be making a meaningful impact.
In 33 games this season, Derek Ryan only scored 1 goal and 4 points. He may not be doing much on the scoresheet, but the Oilers making the roster move to bring him back clearly shows how highly they think of him - and perhaps answering some demands of the locker room.
Source for Derek Ryan stats: Derek Ryan - HockeyDB
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Oilers make roster move to bring back player after locker room was unhappy with decision

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