Oilers News & Rumors: Ryan, Defensive Depth, McDavid Fallout – Hockey Writers – News & Rumors

The Edmonton Oilers are one of the best teams in the NHL this season as they try to get back to the Stanley Cup Finals this season and lost their first team since 1990 to the Florida Panthers last season. A champion seeking revenge. In this Oilers News & Rumors column, we'll look at Derek Ryan being sent to the AHL, the team's interest in defensive depth as they continue to evaluate the trade market, and the suspension The aftermath of forward Connor McDavid.

Derek Ryan placed on waivers and cleared of those waivers

The Oilers announced on Sunday (Jan. 19) that they would waive veteran forward Derek Ryan while loaning defenseman Josh Brown to the Bakersfield Condors of the American Hockey League. Laine is expected to remain with the team for the remainder of the AHL season after going unclaimed, making room for youngster Noah Philp to remain with the team for the remainder of the 2024-25 season.

The 38-year-old Ryan has played 33 games for the Oilers this season, contributing 1 goal, 4 assists, and 5 points. He played 603 games in the NHL, scoring 82 goals and providing 126 assists for 208 points, averaging 0.34 points per game. He previously played for the Carolina Hurricanes and Calgary Flames before joining the Oilers for the 2021-22 season. This could be Ryan's final season of hockey, and after struggling this season, it appears he will finish his career with the Condors. He's still strong as a depth center, so the team may give him a chance if he's interested in playing next season. He becomes an unrestricted free agent after the 2024-25 season.

Oil traders continue to assess defensive trade markets

During a recent show on TSN, it was revealed that the Oilers may be looking to add another defender despite already adding John Klingberg for the remainder of the season. While the team doesn't seem interested in spending a ton of money to bolster their blue line, they appear interested in acquiring a depth player with strong defensive abilities rather than a mobile back like Evan Bouchard or Klingberg.

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“I don't think it's going to be very sexy, depending on the injuries and what happens between now and March 7,” insider Pierre Lebrun said. In reality, bringing in another A back who doesn't have a high cap hit and can provide depth as a bottom pairing or seventh back seems to be the plan for the Oilers, who have some time to decide what their next steps are as they hope they can maintain their recent strong showing for another run. Build momentum heading into the playoffs.

Connor McDavid suspended, Oilers issue statement

Things blew up towards the end of a game between the Oilers and Vancouver Canucks on Saturday (Jan. 18), with the Oilers trying to tie the game late in the third period. Canucks forward Connor Garland appeared to grab Connor McDavid and hold him down, which angered McDavid and led to a cross-check in Garland's face. Meanwhile, Taylor Myers cross-checked Bouchard directly in his face, and both Myers and McDavid were ejected. They were also suspended for three games for their actions.

The Oilers were unhappy with the suspension, as the referee's lack of control seemed to be the cause of some issues at the end of the game. Despite the apparent cross-checking, the Oilers released a statement defending McDavid.

It says;

“The Oilers organization is disappointed and we share the fans’ frustration with captain Connor McDavid’s three-game suspension. We support him throughout the process and the organization and our fans look forward to his return to the lineup next week against Seattle.“

McDavid served the first game of his suspension in the Oilers' loss to the Washington Capitals on Tuesday (January 21) and is expected to play against the Seattle Kraken on Monday (January 27).

Be sure to stay tuned as the 2024-25 season progresses hockey writer Be your source for news from the NHL and hockey world.