Release: Derek Ryan Recalled from Bakersfield

In a move aimed at bolstering their lineup as the NHL regular season heads toward its crucial final stretch, the Edmonton Oilers have announced the recall of veteran forward Derek Ryan from the team’s AHL affiliate, the Bakersfield Condors. The recall signals the Oilers’ intent to add depth and experience to their roster as they prepare for the grueling playoff push in the 2025 NHL season.

Ryan’s call-up marks an important moment for both the player and the team. A seasoned veteran with a well-rounded game, Ryan has spent the majority of this season in Bakersfield, contributing significantly to the Condors’ success in the AHL. The 36-year-old center brings a wealth of experience, leadership, and a steady two-way presence to the Oilers’ forward group, all of which will be critical as Edmonton gears up for the postseason.

This article will delve into the specifics of Ryan’s recall, why the Oilers chose to bring him up at this particular juncture, and what his presence means for the team moving forward. We will also assess Ryan’s impact on both the Oilers and the Condors during his time in Bakersfield and explore what the future holds for the veteran forward as he looks to play a role in Edmonton’s playoff aspirations.

Derek Ryan’s Background and Career

Derek Ryan has been a reliable two-way forward for much of his career. Originally undrafted, Ryan spent several seasons in the minor leagues before finally earning an NHL roster spot with the Carolina Hurricanes in 2017. Since then, he has gone on to carve out a successful career with the Calgary Flames and, more recently, the Edmonton Oilers.

Over the years, Ryan has established himself as a smart, responsible player who can be trusted in all situations. Known for his work ethic, faceoff skills, and hockey IQ, Ryan is a coach’s dream when it comes to being a versatile depth forward. He has primarily played as a bottom-six forward in the NHL, but his versatility allows him to fill different roles when needed. He can center the fourth line, kill penalties, and even chip in offensively when required.

Ryan’s leadership on and off the ice has also been valuable, especially in a locker room full of young talent. His professionalism and ability to mentor younger players are traits that make him highly respected within the organization.

In Edmonton, Ryan has had a solid impact since being acquired as a free agent in 2021. While he has seen his ice time fluctuate depending on the team’s needs, he has been a steady presence for the Oilers when called upon, and his recall from Bakersfield is a testament to the trust the coaching staff has in him.

Why the Recall Now?

The Oilers’ decision to recall Ryan from Bakersfield comes at a time when the team is gearing up for an intense playoff push. With the regular season winding down and the playoffs on the horizon, Edmonton is focused on securing a high playoff seed, and the addition of Ryan will bring both depth and experience to their forward group.

Adding Depth to the Lineup

As the team prepares for the postseason, depth becomes increasingly important. Injuries are inevitable in the high-intensity playoff atmosphere, and having experienced players like Ryan who can step into key roles when needed is invaluable. Ryan’s ability to play both center and wing provides the coaching staff with flexibility in lineup combinations. His versatility also gives the Oilers more options in terms of adjusting to injuries or matchups as the playoffs approach.

Ryan’s skill set is perfectly suited for a bottom-six role, where he can contribute to the team’s overall defensive structure while also providing the occasional offensive spark. His ability to win faceoffs, block shots, and be responsible in his own end makes him an ideal candidate to add depth and stability to the Oilers’ forward lines.

Moreover, Ryan’s leadership and veteran presence are crucial as the Oilers look to make a deep postseason run. He brings experience from his time with the Flames, where he played in several playoff series. The knowledge he can share with the younger players, particularly when the games get tighter and the pressure mounts, could prove invaluable in the postseason.

Experience for the Playoff Push

Ryan’s return to the NHL at this stage in the season is no accident. With the Oilers looking to solidify their playoff position and prepare for the intense competition that the postseason brings, his experience will be essential. He has seen just about everything in his career, from long playoff runs to regular-season battles. His calm demeanor and ability to execute under pressure could provide stability to the team’s lower lines, which will be tested during the high-stakes games that lie ahead.

In particular, Ryan’s penalty-killing ability and faceoff proficiency will be vital as the Oilers enter the playoffs. The margins in postseason hockey are razor-thin, and the Oilers will need every advantage they can get, especially on special teams. Ryan’s ability to be trusted in crucial moments—whether it’s a faceoff in the defensive zone or killing off a penalty—could be the difference between winning and losing in tight playoff games.

Ryan’s Impact on the Condors in Bakersfield

Before his recall, Ryan had spent the majority of the 2024-2025 season in the AHL, where he had been a key contributor to the Condors’ success. While his role in Bakersfield was primarily as a veteran leader and key special teams player, his impact was much more than just that of a seasoned presence in the locker room.

Strong Offensive Production

Although Ryan’s role was focused on leadership and providing stability, he didn’t shy away from contributing offensively. Through 40 games with the Condors, Ryan registered 15 goals and 20 assists, showcasing his offensive touch. His ability to contribute on the scoresheet, even in a limited offensive role, is an indicator that he is still capable of producing at a high level. While his primary focus is on his two-way game, Ryan’s scoring touch remains sharp, and his playmaking ability is still evident.

Ryan’s offensive success in the AHL also helped elevate the play of the younger Condors forwards. His ability to be in the right places at the right time allowed him to create opportunities, both for himself and for his teammates. His high hockey IQ and playmaking ability were crucial to the development of the younger players around him.

Leadership and Mentoring the Next Generation

One of Ryan’s most significant impacts in Bakersfield was his mentorship of younger players. The AHL is often a stepping stone for young prospects who are looking to make the jump to the NHL, and having a seasoned veteran like Ryan in the locker room has been invaluable for the Condors’ prospects. His experience, both in the NHL and in the AHL, has allowed him to offer advice, guidance, and support to players as they navigate the challenges of professional hockey.

Ryan’s leadership was evident not only in his on-ice play but also in how he handled his responsibilities off the ice. His professionalism and commitment to the game set a great example for the younger players who aspire to one day make the jump to the NHL. His calm and steady approach in high-pressure situations helped create a positive culture in Bakersfield, which has contributed to the Condors’ success this season.

What Does the Recall Mean for the Oilers?

The recall of Derek Ryan signals a few key things for the Oilers as they head into the final stretch of the regular season and prepare for the playoffs.

Depth at Center and Wing

One of the most important aspects of Ryan’s recall is the added depth at both center and wing. While the Oilers have been very strong at the top of their lineup, particularly with the play of Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl, there have been moments where they have struggled to find consistency in their bottom-six forward group. Ryan’s presence gives the Oilers an option to play in the middle of the ice or shift him to the wing, depending on where he’s needed.

This versatility will be especially valuable in the playoffs, where line combinations are subject to change based on matchups, injuries, and the flow of the series. Ryan’s ability to slot in on different lines provides head coach Jay Woodcroft with greater flexibility when setting his lineup for the postseason.

Special Teams Contributions

Ryan’s penalty-killing ability will be a crucial asset to the Oilers as they gear up for the postseason. In the tight-checking environment of playoff hockey, special teams can often be the deciding factor in a series. Having a trusted veteran like Ryan to kill penalties and win crucial faceoffs will be a significant advantage for the Oilers. His addition to the penalty kill unit could help the Oilers become even more formidable in that area, especially against teams with potent power plays.

Veteran Presence and Leadership

With the playoffs just around the corner, the value of Ryan’s leadership cannot be overstated. The Oilers have a team full of young, talented players, but the postseason is a different animal altogether. Ryan has been through the ups and downs of playoff hockey and can serve as a steadying influence in high-pressure situations. Whether it’s providing advice to younger players or simply being a calming presence on the bench, Ryan’s leadership will be essential as the Oilers look to make a deep playoff run.

Derek Ryan’s Role in the Oilers’ Playoff Push

The recall of Derek Ryan from Bakersfield is an important move for the Edmonton Oilers as they look to strengthen their lineup and deepen their roster ahead of the 2025 Stanley Cup Playoffs. Ryan’s experience, versatility, and leadership will provide the Oilers with the depth they need to make a run at the Cup. His strong play in the AHL, combined with his established NHL pedigree, makes him a valuable asset to the team as they head into the final stretch of the season.

With Ryan back in the fold, the Oilers now have an even more well-rounded roster, capable of competing at the highest level in the postseason. As the Oilers prepare for the challenges of playoff hockey, Ryan’s steady hand and all-around game will be crucial to their success. The 2025 Stanley Cup Playoffs are fast approaching, and with Derek Ryan contributing in key moments, the Oilers are well-positioned for a deep and successful run.