Oilers Veteran Reveals Salary Cap Forced Roster Change

Derek Ryan’s return to the Edmonton Oilers shows just how much his teammates value him in the locker room.

The 38-year-old forward is back with the big club after a brief stint in the AHL’s Bakersfield Condors – a move he says he accepted to help the team manage its salary cap.

“Obviously it’s a tough time, never what you want to happen especially at this point in my career,” Ryan told reporters Wednesday. “But obviously a sacrifice I was willing to make for this team for the cap space, and the roster to be put together as it is now.”

His temporary demotion helped the Oilers bring in players like John Klingberg and Kasperi Kapanen.

It wasn’t easy. Ryan spent three weeks living out of a hotel, away from his family, while playing in the minors.

But he made the best of it.

“I don’t wanna brag but, I have some detail in my game, some aspects of my game that some guys can try to emulate and learn from,” he said.

The veteran center’s positive attitude stands out, especially compared to what he’s seen from some other players in the AHL.

“You see guys that are just sour to be there. You can’t be like that. It’s a cancer. Nobody wants to be around you,” Ryan explained.

His return to Edmonton wasn’t just about cap space – reports suggest his teammates weren’t happy seeing him sent down and pushed for his recall.

That’s not surprising given Ryan’s reputation as a steady presence in the locker room. He’s been with the Oilers for four seasons now, helping mentor younger players while providing reliable play on the ice.

If Edmonton makes another deep playoff run this year, Ryan’s willingness to take one for the team during this midseason shuffle might turn out to be a key moment in their Stanley Cup chase.