With Edmonton’s long list of injuries continuing to grow, the Oilers have brought back a familiar forward. The team announced that they’ve recalled center Derek Ryan from AHL Bakersfield on an emergency basis. Additionally, blueliner Cam Dineen is back up as well; he was recalled on Thursday and papered back to the minors late Friday.
Ryan spent the first half of the season in Edmonton but struggled to produce in limited minutes, notching just one goal and four assists in his first 33 outings. That resulted in the 38-year-old being placed on waivers in January with the Oilers opting to look at some other options for that roster spot. Eventually, they turned to the trade market to try to fill it but their most notable deadline acquisition up front, Trent Frederic, has only played once and is injured once again.
Aside from a two-game stint with the big club last month, Ryan has played with the Condors, his first taste of AHL action since the 2015-16 season when he returned to North America after playing in Sweden. Ryan has suited up in 13 games with Bakersfield so far, picking up three goals and five assists. His absence will certainly hurt the Condors, who remain in a close battle for the seventh and final playoff spot in the Pacific Division.
Dineen wasn’t needed last night with Mattias Ekholm returning to the lineup. However, with Ekholm being injured just a few shifts in and Jake Walman’s availability for Sunday still in question, Dineen will get to stay with the big club a little while longer.