In a surprising yet strategic move, the Edmonton Oilers have placed 37-year-old veteran forward Derek Ryan on waivers. The decision is aimed at creating much-needed cap flexibility as the Oilers continue to fine-tune their roster for the 2024-2025 NHL season. With Ryan’s experience and versatility, this move raises questions about the Oilers’ long-term roster strategy, but it’s clearly a reflection of the challenges teams face in managing the NHL’s salary cap.
Why Ryan Was Waived
Ryan has been a solid contributor for Edmonton since joining the team in 2021, providing leadership, depth, and a reliable presence on the third and fourth lines. Known for his hockey IQ, faceoff skills, and ability to play both center and wing, Ryan has been a valuable player for the Oilers, especially in shorthanded situations. However, his $1.2 million cap hit, though relatively modest by NHL standards, became a potential issue for the Oilers, who are navigating a tight salary cap situation.
The Oilers, led by superstars Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl, are in a win-now mode and have invested heavily in their core players. Edmonton is already feeling the pressure of the salary cap, and placing Ryan on waivers is likely a move to clear space for younger, cheaper players who can fill out the bottom-six forward group. This kind of move allows the team to bring in a player on a league-minimum contract or activate a player from the AHL, providing more flexibility for in-season roster adjustments.
A Calculated Risk
Placing Ryan on waivers does not necessarily mean the Oilers are parting ways with him. If he clears waivers and goes unclaimed by another team, Ryan could be reassigned to the Oilers’ AHL affiliate, the Bakersfield Condors, or remain with the team as an extra forward. This would give Edmonton more roster maneuverability while keeping a veteran presence available if injuries or other circumstances arise.
The Oilers’ coaching staff, including head coach Jay Woodcroft, has expressed admiration for Ryan’s work ethic and professionalism. Despite being in the twilight of his career, Ryan still has the ability to contribute in a meaningful way, particularly in a mentorship role for younger players. But with the Oilers needing every dollar of cap space, waiving a veteran like Ryan is a calculated risk that could backfire if another team, especially one needing depth or experience, claims him.
Possible Outcomes
There are a few potential scenarios in play following this move:
- Ryan Clears Waivers and Stays with Edmonton: If no other team claims Ryan, he could be assigned to the AHL or kept on the Oilers’ roster as a reserve forward. This would give Edmonton some flexibility while maintaining Ryan’s leadership in the locker room.
- Another Team Claims Ryan: Teams looking for an experienced, versatile forward at a low cost may see Ryan as a good fit. His ability to win faceoffs, play on the penalty kill, and contribute in a bottom-six role makes him an attractive option for teams looking to add depth for a playoff run.
- Salary Cap Maneuvering: If Ryan clears waivers, Edmonton could make further moves to either sign an additional player or promote someone from the minors to inject some youth and energy into the lineup.
Looking Ahead
For the Oilers, this decision underscores the delicate balance between keeping veteran leadership and managing cap constraints. As Edmonton looks to stay competitive in the Western Conference, particularly with Stanley Cup aspirations, these kinds of moves will be essential for maintaining a strong roster throughout the season.
Derek Ryan’s future may be uncertain at the moment, but his professionalism and dedication to the game mean that wherever he lands, he will bring value. Whether he remains with the Oilers in a reduced role or finds a new opportunity with another team, Ryan’s presence in the NHL is a testament to his longevity and adaptability.
As the Oilers continue to tinker with their roster, the focus will remain on maximizing their talent around McDavid and Draisaitl, while ensuring the team has enough depth to compete for a championship. With Ryan’s waiver placement, Edmonton hopes to achieve both cap flexibility and sustained success on the ice.
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