Oilers' Derek Ryan likely to be claimed on waivers, per reports
The Edmonton Oilers made a difficult decision to place veteran forward Derek Ryan on waivers today, and several sources believe it's possible he'll be claimed by another NHL team.
Along with Derek Ryan being placed on waivers, the Oilers loaned defenceman Josh Brown to the AHL.
Analysts Expect Oilers to Lose Derek Ryan on Waivers to Another Team
The 2 Mutts Hockey Podcast, who has accurately broken Oilers news in the past, suggested the Calgary Flames as a team that could be interested in claiming Ryan to serve as their 4th line center.
The Flames are still holding on to a wild card playoff spot, and if they'd like to add a veteran 4th liner for faceoffs, defensive play, and penalty killing, Ryan makes sense as an option. Ryan also played in Calgary from 2018-2021, so there is familiarity there.
Oilers analyst Bruce Curlock seconded the belief that Ryan could be claimed on waivers, if not by the Flames, by another fringe playoff team looking for a penalty killing right shot center.
Insider Jason Gregor also reported that it seems likely another team will claim Ryan.
After Noah Philp was called up and is proving himself as the 4th like center, there was simply no room for the 38 year old Ryan and his $900K salary.
Unfortunately, time finally caught up to Derek Ryan this season. After multiple healthy scratches with Philp in the lineup, it was time to send him off. Oilers management informed Ryan last year that this was a possibility.
This season, Ryan's ice time has significantly declined, and he's only scored 5 points in 33 games. The Oilers simply have better options, and need to use them in a win-now window.
Ryan's story is one of incredible resilience, going from an undrafted player in the UHL to making his NHL debut at 30 years old.
He's put together an impressive career of 603 NHL games with the Hurricanes, Flames, and Oilers. Hopefully, it's not the end for him yet, but Oilers fans will also hope he isn't claimed.
