Former Edmonton Oilers forward Derek Ryan had confirmed his plans to retire ahead of this past season. It seems the veteran forward had some resentments with the way his career ended.
Ryan, who spent the last four seasons with Edmonton, only played 36 NHL games last year as age and competition caught up with him. He was placed on waivers and spent much of the season in the AHL with the Bakersfield Condors.
The 38 year old had never played less than 40 games in a season since he became a permanent fixture in the league ahead of the 2016-17 season.
In an interview with Bob Stauffer on OilersNow, Ryan said he felt overlooked by the new management team.
“It was a little bitter for me just because of how things were handled with the new management, the somewhat new coaching staff and just kind of the brick work that I had laid with that group.”
“The blood, sweat, and tears that I had given with that group in three and a half years, just to have it brushed under the rug, is pretty disappointing. I don't think it would have been that way if the management wouldn't have changed,” Ryan explained.
He also noted that communication with the new front office was more difficult than it had been under Ken Holland’s leadership and that the AHL assignment was tough on his family, who remained in Edmonton while he traveled to California.
Oilers congratulate Derek Ryan on his retirement
The Edmonton Oilers shared a special post congratulating Derek Ryan on drawing the curtains on his NHL career on Friday. The official account of the team posted a picture of the veteran forward celebrating in front of fans at Rogers Place with the caption:
“Congrats to former #Oilers forward Derek Ryan on his accomplished career! 👊”
Congrats to former #Oilers forward Derek Ryan on his accomplished career! 👊 pic.twitter.com/i0yZutM0sa
— Edmonton Oilers (@EdmontonOilers) September 5, 2025
Ryan’s career is remarkable by any standard. He made the NHL at 30 years old and went on to play 606 career games with three teams. The Carolina Hurricanes, Calgary Flames, and of course Edmonton Oilers.
Throughout his 10 year NHL career, he was an analytical darling playing consistent minutes in the bottom-six. With the Oilers, he was a trusted defensive forward and a respected locker room leader.
While his demotion and limited NHL role last season were tough, the Oilers’ decision was understandable from a competitive standpoint. Younger players with more upside eventually took over roster spots and they just had to make way.