Veteran forward Derek Ryan may have played his final season with the Edmonton Oilers, as a post from his wife has sparked major speculation about his future. Bonnie Ryan shared on Instagram that the couple’s fully furnished Edmonton home will go up for sale on July 1, calling the move “bittersweet.”
Derek Ryan’s Wife’s Announcement Fuels Speculation
Bonnie shared that the family intends to sell their fully furnished home in Edmonton, Canada. She explained that the family is preparing to return to Spokane, Wash. — Derek’s hometown — once the school year and NHL season are over.
There has not been a word from Derek or the Oilers officially, but the announcement strongly points to a transition that may indicate the end of his playing time in Edmonton, perhaps even stepping away from the NHL entirely.
Bonnie’s post stated that unless they have a rare, “amazing opportunity,” their move is beginning a new chapter, bringing into question whether Derek, 38, is contemplating retirement or expecting to move on from the Oilers.
— x – nick (@2003nicko) May 8, 2025
Ryan has had an impressive NHL run, especially for someone who was never drafted. He played in Canadian college hockey and overseas before breaking into the NHL at the age of 29. He started with the Carolina Hurricanes, then played for the Calgary Flames and Oilers, earning a reputation as a reliable, hard-working forward.
This season, Ryan played 36 games for Edmonton, scoring one goal and five assists. He also suited up for the AHL’s Bakersfield Condors. His last NHL appearance this season came on April 13 against the Jets. While the Oilers push ahead in the playoffs, Ryan’s future remains unclear, but his steady leadership and quiet impact won’t be forgotten.
Ryan’s Steady NHL Career Through the Years
Ryan’s hockey story is not the average tale. He didn’t get drafted or go straight to the spotlight. He instead worked hard and persevered patiently, proving himself step by step.
Raised in Spokane, Ryan played junior hockey with the hometown Spokane Chiefs in the WHL. After doing so, he didn’t head off to the NHL as most players do. Rather, he traveled overseas, playing in Austria and Sweden. In Sweden, he really earned his reputation as the top league scorer in 2014-15. That performance caught the NHL’s eye and got him a contract with Carolina in 2015.
Ryan made his NHL debut at 29 and became a dependable, smart center, especially on faceoffs and special teams. He played three seasons in Carolina, then moved to Calgary in 2018, where he became a key bottom-six forward in the playoffs. He joined the Oilers in 2021 and quickly became a trusted fourth-line center with a team-first attitude.
Over 10 seasons, Ryan played 606 NHL games with the Hurricanes, Flames, and Oilers. He recorded 82 goals, 127 assists, and 209 points, holding a career plus-minus of +14.
Though not flashy, Ryan’s work ethic, steady play, and veteran presence have earned the respect of teammates and coaches wherever he goes.