Insider reveals that Stan Bowman may have disrupted locker room chemistry with recent roster move
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Recently, Edmonton Oilers general manager Stan Bowman made the tough decision to waive veteran forward Derek Ryan. While this roster move made sense on paper, insider Kurt Leavins admits that Derek Ryan's relegation to the AHL may have caused a rifft in the Edmonton Oilers dressing room.
As everybody probably knows -- chemistry is everything on professional hockey team.
Although Derek Ryan has failed to put up consistent offensive numbers, there's no denying he's a beloved member of the Oilers dressing room.
While the Edmonton Oilers have held their own in Ryan's absence, they are currently on a two-game skid, and the veteran forward's absence is becoming increasingly noticeable.
Kurt Leavins from the Edmonton Journal reports that Stan Bowman's decision to relegate Derek Ryan may have been a poor choice that has caused a disruption of chemistry in the Oilers dressing room.
I agreed with the decision to send Derek Ryan to the AHL. But we should not assume that was a happy circumstance in the Oilers' dressing room. I suspect Stan Bowman discovered just how close-knit that group in there is.
- Kurt Leavins
- Kurt Leavins
According to Ryan Hall of Oilers Daily, The 38-year-old forward was placed on waivers on January 19th as the Oilers were preparing to look and evaluate Oilers rookie center Noah Philp. Ryan act as a professional and after he cleared waivers, he was assigned to the Bakersfield Condors where he has accepted his role working with younger players.
Derek Ryan embracing his role as a mentor on the Bakersfield Condors
Thankfully for Oilers fans, Derek Ryan cleared waivers and assumed in new role with the Edmonton Oilers farm affiliate in Bakersfield.
One undeniable fact about Derek Ryan is that he has always been a true professional with a great attitiude.
One undeniable fact about Derek Ryan is that he has always been a true professional with a great attitude.
During a recent interview, Ryan spoke about the transition from the NHL to the AHL, and that he has a job to do with the condors and hopes that he will have another chance with the Oilers sooner than later.
"Trying to carry myself the same way I have for the past 9 years."
Derek Ryan
Derek Ryan
Although Derek Ryan is embracing his role mentoring the next generation of NHL pro's, Leavins admits that it won't be long until Derek Ryan earns another shot with the team.
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