Oilers veteran forward could be replaced by one of three prospects this year

37 year old Derek Ryan can be thought of as the current fourth line center, but Jason Gregor of OilersNation has identified three players that could push to take the job in training camp: James Hamblin, Lane Pederson, and Noah Philp.

Gregor points out that Ryan is the most trusted veteran option, who can be relied on to play bottom six minutes and penalty kill. However, he's not getting any faster when turning 38 years old this season. The Oilers are already an old team in every other position and could use an injection of youth in their depth group.

Oilers fans know James Hamblin well, an Edmonton-born player who appeared in 31 games last season and memorably dedicated his first NHL goal to his late mother. Lane Pederson is a 27 year old right shot centre that had an incredibly successful year in the AHL last season, and has already played 71 NHL games with 4 different teams. Noah Philp is returning to hockey at 26 years old after taking a year away from the game, but is reportedly in great shape and impressed enough in the past to warrant a look in the NHL.

The case could be made that all players should get a look with the Oilers this season, but only one player will make the opening night roster. It will have to come down to a battle in training camp and which player impresses the most in the preseason. Derek Ryan will be trying to prove himself to keep his spot with the big club, but these younger players are surely hungry to earn a roster spot on a cup-contending team.

Oilers training camp is set to begin September 19th, and the preseason will kick off on September 22nd at home against the Winnipeg Jets. Which player do you think will be the opening night fourth line center? Let us know in the poll below!