Veteran Oilers forward discusses his new deal with Oilers.

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Ryan Hall
June 21, 2023 (1:07)

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Derek Ryan has been a member of the Oilers' forwards and bottom 6 for the past two seasons. His role as a penalty killer and a shutdown player has helped the Oilers greatly this past season in securing a playoff spot and then going on a playoff run against the Kings and the Golden Knights.

Recently, he managed to secure a new deal with the Oilers at a very cap friendly $900,000 a season for two years. It's crucial for the Oilers as they continue to look at ways to help fill out their lineup while being in a cap crunch with only $5.9 million to work with and six free agents to decide on.

He sat down with Gregor and Strudwick to discuss the contract along with the city of Edmonton and the loss in the second round against the Golden Knights.

When he was asked about representing himself while discussing his new contract with general manager Ken Holland, he felt that he didn't have to represent himself too much as he sat down with Holland and had lunch and many phone calls.

I wouldn't say that I represented myself too much. Kenny and I, we went to lunch and had all of the phone conversations. I had my agent, who's been with me the whole time, advising me, and I would call him and tell him the details and all that. But I mean I'm also at the point in my career where the contract negotiations are pretty low-key and not too stressful. So yeah, it was interesting. I think that Ken and I have a good relationship and we obviously know what position each person is in, so it was pretty easy.

Ryan also explained that he felt that Edmonton was the city he wanted to play in and continue his career. He also felt it was important to do so. He feels that family and the chance at winning a cup are the main drivers to why he re-signed with Edmonton.

There are a lot of answers to that. Family, for sure. The kids are older � Zane is nine in August � it's hard to pick up and move. You don't want to do that. We have roots pretty deep in Edmonton now with school and hockey and gymnastics and dance and Bonnie's friend group and the friend group that I have from school and the Oilers and whatnot. We love it here, we love the fans, and it's a great place to play. I think that it kind of catches a bad rep for most of the league who haven't been here, haven't played here. It's actually a great place, a great city. The winters are kind of tough, but it's not too bad. And, most importantly, I wanted to stay here because this is my window to win. I'm at the point in my career where winning is important, and I think there is no other team who has a better chance to win than the Oilers in the next few years.

It's a fair deal between the two men, and this will benefit the Oilers as they have locked in someone who will have leadership and give their bottom six a familiar look.