Edmonton Oilers place veteran forward on waivers, send defenceman to AHL
Moments ago, the Edmonton Oilers announced the team has placed forward Derek Ryan on waivers, and loaned Josh Brown to the AHL.
This roster move was expected to come after the signing of free agent defenceman John Klingberg a few days ago, and is now official.
Oilers Place Derek Ryan on Waivers, Send Down Josh Brown for John Klingberg
The decision to place 38 year old forward Derek Ryan on waivers is surely a difficult one after he's spent the last 3 full seasons in Edmonton, but it's been a long time coming.
Ryan has noticeably slowed down this season, and with the Oilers bottom six already skewed to the older side of 30, Edmonton could use some speed and youth.
26 year old Noah Philp has just come out of retirement and has played in the last three games for the Oilers. Bob Stauffer reported at the time that Philp was brought up to be evaluated for the 4th line job in the playoffs, and it seems like he's won the job.
- Bob Stauffer
Although it's the right move to bring up Philp for the playoffs, it still stings to see a veteran center lose his place in the lineup.
Hopefully, Ryan clears waivers and can stay around in a leadership role, like Sam Gagner did last year.
Oilers send down Josh Brown to AHL to make room for John Klingberg
With Josh Brown as the Oilers' clear worst defenceman, he was the obvious choice to send down to the AHL for the impending addition of John Klingberg.
The Oilers newest defenceman is expected to join the team for practice by Monday, and it won't be long after until he gets into the lineup.
Brown doesn't need to pass through waivers, because he has been waived previously this season with no claim.
For roster slots and cap space, both of these roster moves were necessary for the Oilers. Edmonton is clearly shifting into a new gear for their lineup, preparing for the stretch run and an incredibly important playoff season.
