Derek Ryan Signs a 2-Year Deal With The Oilers

The Oilers have finally filled their position at third-line centre. The team has signed 34-year old Derek Ryan to a two-year deal at $1.25 million AAV. Ryan has played six NHL seasons split between the Carolina Hurricanes and Calgary Flames, scoring 53 goals and 149 points in 345 games.

A native of Spokane, Washington, Ryan went undrafted and played in the WHL, the UHL, and the Austrian and Swedish Hockey Leagues before signing as a 28-year old with Carolina. Ryan is a defensively responsible right-shot centreman who wins his draws and can kill penalties. He's consistently put up 10+ goals a season, although he had a down year last season trapped on the Flames 4th line, scoring only 2 goals and 13 points in 43 games. He still managed to be a +16 at season's end, showing that the defensive chops are still there. He will be moved back into the position that most suits him in Edmonton, something that should benefit his production numbers.

The Oilers have had a rotating cast of third-line centremen, none of which have fully seized the job for themselves. After years of running Riley Sheahan, Kyle Turris, and Mark Letestu as their 3C, the Oilers have finally gotten a player who fits the position they need him to fill, and on a very reasonable deal.

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Photo credit: Sergei Belski-USA TODAY Sports