Signed in 2021, Derek Ryan was a reliable bottom-six forward for the Edmonton Oilers during his time in Edmonton

Derek Ryan’s tenure with the Edmonton Oilers, which began in 2021 when he signed a two-year contract, has been characterized by reliability, leadership, and defensive responsibility. Known primarily for his role as a dependable bottom-six forward, Ryan’s value to the team has extended far beyond just his on-ice performance. While he may not have been the flashiest player, his consistent presence in the lineup, both offensively and defensively, has made him an essential piece of the Oilers’ depth chart. Through his work ethic, versatility, and attention to detail, Ryan has contributed to the team in ways that may not always show up on the score sheet but have been crucial to the overall success of the organization.

Ryan’s signing in 2021 was seen as a move to further solidify the Oilers’ forward depth. A player who had spent time with several teams in his career, Ryan’s experience and two-way play were qualities the Oilers needed as they looked to build a more well-rounded lineup. Since joining the team, Ryan has proven that he can play a significant role in a variety of situations, whether it’s providing leadership in the bottom-six, being a reliable penalty killer, or contributing in key moments. His consistency, professionalism, and ability to be effective in a support role have allowed him to carve out a niche with the Oilers, making him an integral part of the team’s depth.

Before joining the Oilers, Derek Ryan had already established himself as a reliable bottom-six forward with the Carolina Hurricanes, Calgary Flames, and Ottawa Senators. His story was one of perseverance, as he had to work his way up from the minors to the NHL. Undrafted out of college, Ryan spent several years in the American Hockey League (AHL) before finally making his mark in the NHL. His success in the AHL, paired with his commitment to developing his all-around game, eventually led to his debut in the NHL at the age of 30.

Ryan’s game has always been built around hockey IQ, work ethic, and defensive responsibility. He has never been the type of player to rely on sheer physicality or raw skill, but rather he is known for his ability to make smart decisions with the puck and help facilitate play in both ends of the ice. Over the years, Ryan had solidified his reputation as a versatile forward who could be relied upon in all situations: whether it was on the penalty kill, at even strength, or during crucial face-offs, Ryan’s contributions were always measured, consistent, and meaningful.

By the time he signed with the Oilers in 2021, Ryan had amassed a wealth of experience, and his reputation as a two-way forward was well established. At 34 years old, he was at a stage in his career where he was looking for a team that could make use of his experience and skill set in a supporting role. The Oilers, a team with high-end talent in McDavid and Draisaitl but a need for depth and defensive reliability, seemed like the perfect fit.

From the very beginning of his time with the Oilers, Ryan made it clear that he was going to be a reliable presence in the team’s bottom six. While not expected to be a top-six contributor, his role was essential for balancing the lineup and providing depth, especially as the team tried to maximize the talents of McDavid, Draisaitl, and other offensive stars. Ryan’s ability to play a key role in all areas of the ice made him an ideal player to round out the team’s forward group.

In his first season with the Oilers (2021-2022), Ryan became a key contributor to the team’s penalty kill unit, one of his primary areas of expertise. Known for his faceoff abilities and his defensive awareness, Ryan’s value on the PK was undeniable. His commitment to blocking shots, winning draws, and positioning himself effectively made him an ideal player for short-handed situations. In fact, it was clear from early on that head coach Dave Tippett valued Ryan’s defensive acumen, often deploying him in critical situations to help protect leads or kill penalties.

Though Ryan’s offensive output might not have been as prolific as some of the other forwards on the team, his versatility allowed the Oilers to lean on him for key defensive plays, particularly when the team’s top forwards needed to be rested or when injuries impacted the lineup. Ryan’s ability to chip in offensively on occasion also helped balance out the Oilers’ forward lines. With his steady puck possession and effective transition game, Ryan contributed to the team’s overall ability to cycle the puck and sustain offensive pressure.

One of Ryan’s defining qualities has been his faceoff ability. Throughout his career, he has been one of the NHL’s better faceoff specialists, and his win percentage has consistently ranked among the league’s best. The ability to win draws in the defensive zone, especially on the penalty kill, is a valuable skill that Ryan brought to the Oilers. In tight games, when faceoffs can determine the flow of the game, Ryan’s ability to come through in key moments was invaluable for the team.

While Ryan’s impact on the ice was certainly significant, his leadership off the ice was just as important. Known as a quiet, lead-by-example type of player, Ryan’s professionalism and experience were crucial for the development of the Oilers’ younger players. He was one of the more experienced forwards on a team that had a blend of veterans and younger stars, and he played an important role in guiding the likes of Ryan McLeod, Kailer Yamamoto, and other emerging players through the ups and downs of the NHL season.

In the locker room, Ryan’s steady presence was a calming influence. As a player who had worked his way up through the ranks, Ryan understood the value of hard work, resilience, and continuous improvement. He was someone the younger players could turn to for advice and guidance, and he often led by example, showing them what it took to maintain a high level of consistency in the NHL. His willingness to do whatever was needed for the team—whether it was taking on a more defensive role or being deployed in a key faceoff situation—set an example for the team as a whole.

One of the most underrated aspects of Derek Ryan’s game is his commitment to defense. As a bottom-six forward, his primary role is often to shut down the opposition’s top lines and provide a reliable presence in his own zone. Ryan was able to do this consistently throughout his time with the Oilers, earning the trust of his coaching staff to match up against tough opponents. His defensive zone coverage, positioning, and puck retrieval skills helped limit the opposition’s offensive chances.

Ryan’s attention to detail in the defensive zone was invaluable to the Oilers. He was able to pressure the puck carrier, break up passing lanes, and support the defensemen when needed. His ability to get the puck out of his own zone and transition it up the ice was one of the quieter but more important aspects of his play. In games where the Oilers were facing high-powered offensive teams, Ryan’s defensive responsibility was especially critical in limiting the damage.

One of Ryan’s most impressive skills has always been his hockey IQ. He has a natural ability to read plays and anticipate where the puck is going, which is an invaluable trait for a player who operates in the bottom-six. Whether it was making a smart outlet pass, positioning himself for a timely shot block, or getting in the way of an opponent’s pass, Ryan consistently made sound decisions that helped his team maintain defensive structure.

Ryan’s Offensive Contributions

While Derek Ryan was primarily known for his defensive and two-way play, he did have offensive contributions that helped the Oilers maintain a balanced attack. Though not a prolific goal scorer, Ryan had the ability to contribute timely goals and assists, particularly when he was playing with skilled linemates. His ability to chip in offensively, even in a limited role, was an added bonus for the team.

Ryan’s offensive contributions typically came in the form of hard-working goals around the net or setting up teammates with smart, well-timed passes. He has always been a strong forechecker, and his ability to create turnovers in the offensive zone often led to scoring chances. His smarts and ability to read the game allowed him to find open space in the offensive zone and contribute when the team needed it most.

Derek Ryan’s tenure with the Edmonton Oilers, while not necessarily flashy, has been a testament to the importance of depth and reliability in a team’s success. His commitment to playing a smart, two-way game, his ability to contribute in key defensive situations, and his leadership qualities made him an essential part of the Oilers’ forward group during his time with the team.

While Ryan may not have been a household name or a player whose statistics jumped off the page, his consistent presence and ability to deliver in critical moments made him a reliable and trustworthy player for the Oilers. His contributions in the bottom six helped the team achieve balance, ensuring that the Oilers’ top stars were supported on all fronts. Ryan’s legacy in Edmonton will likely be remembered as that of a steady, reliable veteran who did whatever was needed for the team to succeed—whether it was contributing offensively, killing penalties, or playing a leadership role for younger players.

As the Oilers continue to build toward their ultimate goal of winning a Stanley Cup, players like Derek Ryan remain crucial to the overall makeup of the team. His role in helping the Oilers reach new heights, particularly in terms of depth and defensive reliability, will always be remembered as a key element of the team’s success in the years he spent in Edmonton.