Edmonton Oilers could be forced to place veteran forward on waivers
The Edmonton Oilers will be looking to bolster their roster heading into the playoffs, specifically on the 4th line. With that in mind, forward Derek Ryan has been a healthy scratch the past few games, and it's looking like GM Stan Bowman could be faced with a tough situation soon.
Derek Ryan, 38, has unfortunately been in the press box more often than not the past few weeks.
With Evander Kane set to come back as early as March, Stan Bowman will need to seriously consider, which will ultimately force another forward off the roster.
According to Liam McCormick of Oilers Daily, Several insiders have reported the Oilers may also explore a bottom six forwards in trade, but before they do so, they'll call up Noah Philp for an evaluation. That would likely mean waiving Derek Ryan.
Many fans are eager for the Oilers to jump the gun and make the roster move already. Giving Philp an extended run of NHL games is better than calling him up 5 games before the March 7 trade deadline.
Back in 2023, The Edmonton Oilers signed forward Derek Ryan to a two-year extension with an average annual value of $900,000. Derek Ryan has been a solid veteran for the Oilers 4th line and is considered a great locker room presence.
Philp has been battling hard for Ryan's job all season long, posting impressive numbers and noticeable performances in the minors. If Noah Philp manages to string together a few more solid performances for the Condors, we could potentially see Philp come into the lineup at some point.
Back in 2023, The Edmonton Oilers signed forward Derek Ryan to a two-year extension with an average annual value of $900,000. Derek Ryan has been a solid veteran for the Oilers 4th line and is considered a great locker room presence.
Philp has been battling hard for Ryan's job all season long, posting impressive numbers and noticeable performances in the minors. If Noah Philp manages to string together a few more solid performances for the Condors, we could potentially see Philp come into the lineup at some point.
Hopefully the Oilers are able to sneak Derek Ryan through waivers when the transaction inevitably comes. At 37 years old and in the final year of his contract, maybe he could threaten retirement if claimed.
As much as fans have developed a soft spot for Derek Ryan, Noah Philp has earned a chance at the NHL level.
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