Since the Edmonton Oilers are now eliminated from the Stanley Cup Playoffs, it is time to look forward to the offseason and the move they need to make. One job that needs to be done is re-signing RFA’s and UFA’s. I have already taken a look at Klim Kostin. In this article, I will examine the pros and cons of bringing back UFA Derek Ryan.
Derek Ryan signed a 2-year deal with the Edmonton Oilers back in 2021. The cap hit of that deal was $1.25 million. To me, Ryan is an excellent utility player. He can play wing or center and he is responsible defensively.
I think the Edmonton Oilers are eventually going to need to make a decision between 3 players. Bjugstad, Janmark and Ryan are all fighting for the same type of role. Depth forwards who can move up and down in the lineup and that are also defensively sound.
I don’t know if the Edmonton Oilers can afford to sign all 3 of them. I think they are going to end up with max two of them. I would personally rank them Bjugstad, Ryan, then Janmark. The problem is you can’t just weigh it on skill alone. The salary also will play a role.
When it comes to salary I think that Derek Ryan will be the one that comes in the cheapest. He is the oldest of the three by 6 years. He is 36 while the others are 30. Although that makes him cheaper, it does make him slower and more likely to get injured.
Want your voice heard? Join the Oil On Whyte team!
I think at the end of the day when it comes to Derek Ryan returning as an Edmonton Oiler, it will come down to Ryan himself. He is at the age when he may just want to retire. If he wants to play hockey I have no doubt Holland would offer him a contract for around $1 million. That is good value for what he brings.