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Oilers reportedly making roster move to call up forward previously cut from team
According to new reports, the Edmonton Oilers may be making a roster move to recall forward Derek Ryan from the AHL's Bakersfield Condors.
The veteran forward was essentially cut from the team earlier this season when he was bounced down to the AHL in favour of younger forwards filling out the bottom six.
Edmonton Oilers reportedly making roster move to call up Derek Ryan from AHL
Former Bakersfield sports writer Mike Griffith has shared news today that the Oilers may be making a move to call up Derek Ryan - although the move is not yet official.
Nothing official, but hearing Derek Ryan may be headed back to Edmonton Oilers. Would be good news for him.
The Oilers are likely making this roster move in response to the Zach Hyman injury. Hyman played half of his usual ice time in the last game, and the Oilers will need a replacement in time for their game tomorrow.
Edmonton Oilers bringing back the veteran leader Derek Ryan after Hyman injury
It was an extremely tough decision for the Oilers to send down the 38 year old forward earlier this year.
While Ryan had lost a step and the Oilers had other options, insiders reported that players in the room were reportedly quite upset they'd lost their veteran presence.
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
- Kurt Leavins
Although Ryan is a 38 year old fourth line center that only had 5 points in 33 games, it seems like the impact he had in the room really was making a difference.
It's probably just a coincidence, but the Oilers record has been abysmal since they sent down Ryan - maybe he really was instrumental in the room.
Hopefully the Oilers will be able to keep the veteran Ryan around the locker room for the stretch run, even if he doesn't play in any games. Sam Gagner had a similar role last year, and in this year's playoffs, it can be Ryan.
| POLL | ||
MARS 15 | 555 ANSWERS Oilers reportedly making roster move to call up forward previously cut from team Do you think the Oilers should call up Derek Ryan, or another younger player? | ||
| Derek Ryan | 317 | 57.1 % |
| A younger player | 238 | 42.9 % |
| List of polls | ||