Until an official announcement is made, Derek Ryan’s retirement remains speculative. However, Bonnie Ryan’s post certainly gives the impression that big changes are on the horizon
Whether he returns in another capacity or steps away entirely, one thing is certain: Derek Ryan has earned the admiration of the Oilers community and the hockey world at large.
If this truly is goodbye, it’s one filled with gratitude, pride, and respect for a player who gave everything he had to the game—and left a lasting mark while doing so.
If this is indeed Derek Ryan’s final season in Edmonton — or the NHL — he exits with a legacy defined not by stats or accolades but by resilience, humility, and perseverance. His story is a testament to how far dedication can take someone, even against the odds.
As the Ryan family prepares to close the Edmonton chapter and return to Spokane, they carry with them the memories of a remarkable journey.
Whether Derek Ryan continues in hockey or steps away entirely, his impact — especially in Edmonton — will be remembered by teammates, coaches, and fans alike.
The end of a career often signals the beginning of something new. And for Derek Ryan, that something new might just be unfolding in Spokane.
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Derek Ryan’s Final Stretch with the Oilers?
A Family Shift Sparks Speculation
As the 2024–25 NHL season winds down, all eyes aren’t just on playoff pushes or roster shuffles — they’re also on Derek Ryan, the 37-year-old Edmonton Oilers forward whose career may be nearing its final chapter.1
A subtle yet telling update from his wife, Bonnie Ryan, has reignited speculation that the veteran center could be preparing to hang up his skates or at least play his final game in an Oilers uniform.
An Instagram Story That Spoke Volumes
On Wednesday, Bonnie Ryan took to Instagram to share a life update that caught the attention of Oilers fans and hockey insiders alike.
In her story, she revealed that the family would be selling their fully-furnished home in Edmonton, Alberta. The post didn’t read like a typical real estate plug — instead, it hinted at a larger transition.
“Hey friends! We are going to be selling our home here in Edmonton soon. Listing it July 1. If you have sold your home recently and have any advice please send it my way,” she wrote.
While there was no direct mention of retirement, the timing and phrasing immediately raised eyebrows.
Spokane: Back to Where It All Began
Bonnie also revealed that the Ryan family plans to relocate to Spokane, Washington — Derek’s hometown and the place where his hockey dreams first took root.
Spokane holds a special place in Derek Ryan’s heart; it’s where he played college hockey at the University of Alberta and began to build a career that would eventually lead to the NHL via an unconventional route.
The post continued, “As you can imagine, this is a bitter sweet announcement. Our plan is to move back to Spokane full time once the season and school year ends. Unless an amazing opportunity presents itself. Time for the start of a new adventure for our family. 🤍”
The Subtle Clues Pointing Toward Retirement
While Bonnie Ryan didn’t confirm that Derek was retiring, her use of phrases like “a new adventure” and “unless an amazing opportunity presents itself” led many to speculate that Derek is at least considering life after hockey.
For NHL players, decisions like selling a home or moving out of the team’s city often indicate the end of a tenure or career altogether.
When a veteran player with over a decade of professional experience starts winding down his real estate footprint in a hockey town, it often signals a looming transition — if not from the sport, then at least from that organization.
Derek Ryan’s 2024–25 Season in Perspective
Ryan’s current season further adds context to these developments. Appearing in just 36 games for the Edmonton Oilers, Ryan recorded one goal and five assists.2
He also spent part of the year with the AHL affiliate Bakersfield Condors, a sign that he has gradually shifted into a depth role within the organization.
His last NHL game came on April 13, 2025, against the Winnipeg Jets. Whether that game marks the final time Derek Ryan dons the Oilers jersey remains to be seen, but given his minimal ice time and role in recent months, it wouldn’t be surprising if it was.
Congrats Bear! https://t.co/MrVu0kaDOz
— Derek Ryan (@DerekAllenRyan) October 7, 2020
An Unconventional Path to the NHL
Derek Ryan’s journey to the NHL is far from typical. Undrafted and originally viewed as undersized for the league, Ryan played college hockey with the University of Alberta Golden Bears before heading overseas.
He built his professional resume in Europe, playing in Austria and Sweden, where he finally caught the attention of NHL scouts.
He made his NHL debut at the age of 29 with the Carolina Hurricanes in 2015 and later played for the Calgary Flames before joining the Edmonton Oilers in 2021.
His persistence, work ethic, and hockey IQ earned him respect across the league and admiration from fans who love an underdog story.
What Derek Ryan Brought to the Oilers?
Since joining the Oilers, Ryan has been a dependable presence on the bottom six — a veteran voice in the locker room and a versatile forward who could chip in on the penalty kill and win key face-offs.3
While not a flashy player, his reliability and leadership have made him a coach’s favorite and a quiet contributor in crucial moments.
Even in limited minutes this season, Ryan provided experience and stability for a team aiming for postseason consistency. It’s those intangibles that teams often look for during playoff runs, even if the stat sheet doesn’t reflect it.
A Steady Presence Behind the Scenes
As is often the case with long-tenured NHL players, the family plays a critical role in shaping career decisions.
Bonnie Ryan has been a consistent presence in Derek’s journey, supporting moves across continents and helping raise a family while navigating the demanding world of professional hockey.
Her Instagram announcement gave fans a rare glimpse into the personal sacrifices and family considerations that influence career choices.
The decision to move back to Spokane may not just be about hockey — it could be about stability, roots, and setting up life beyond the rink.
Could a Return to Spokane Signal More Than Retirement?
While retirement is a strong possibility, there’s also the chance that Ryan could transition into another role in hockey — perhaps in coaching, mentoring, or development.
Spokane, being his hometown, might offer opportunities in junior hockey or even a role with the WHL’s Spokane Chiefs, the team he once played for.
Many NHL veterans who retire outside of the limelight often stay involved in the sport in meaningful ways.
Whether that means behind the bench or in front offices, Derek Ryan’s high hockey IQ and extensive playing experience could make him a valuable asset in other capacities.
Reaction from Oilers Fans and NHL Community
- Unsurprisingly, Oilers fans were quick to react to the news, expressing both sadness and gratitude. Social media was filled with thank-you messages and tributes recognizing Ryan’s dedication and contributions to the team over the years.
- Although he wasn’t a marquee star, he embodied the kind of grit and commitment that fans admire. His work ethic and professionalism stood out in a locker room filled with rising stars and established veterans alike.
- With the Oilers possibly entering a transitional phase themselves — evaluating depth players and grooming younger talent — Ryan’s departure may also align with broader organizational changes.
- Whether or not an “amazing opportunity” emerges, as Bonnie hinted, remains uncertain. It’s plausible that Ryan will take the offseason to assess whether his body, mind, and heart are still in the game.
- A PTO (professional tryout) elsewhere could be in the cards, or perhaps a one-year deal with another club in need of veteran presence.
- However, a graceful exit on his own terms, surrounded by family, and rooted back in his hometown seems increasingly likely.
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Derek Ryan’s Wife Sparks Retirement Rumors with Social Media Post
In the ever-evolving world of professional sports, few things stir the pot quite like cryptic social media posts—especially when they come from a player’s family.
Recently, Bonnie Ryan, wife of Edmonton Oilers forward Derek Ryan, made a subtle but impactful announcement on Instagram that has left fans buzzing.
Though no formal retirement announcement has been made, Bonnie’s words have ignited widespread speculation that the veteran forward may be hanging up his skates for good.
A Screenshot Heard Around Oil Country
It all started with an Instagram story. While the exact wording of Bonnie Ryan’s post hasn’t been officially archived, screenshots of her message began circulating quickly on fan forums and social media platforms.
The story, interpreted by many as a farewell message, hinted at major changes for the Ryan family—changes that could include leaving Edmonton and possibly hockey altogether.
“Derek Ryan’s wife has essentially announced his retirement on Instagram. Not surprising but sad, gonna miss DR,” posted one user on X (formerly Twitter), capturing the general mood of Oilers fans who have long admired Ryan for his work ethic and veteran presence.
View this post on Instagram
A Veteran’s Quiet Exit?
Derek Ryan, now 38, has spent the last few years as a dependable fourth-line center and penalty killer for the Oilers.
Known for his versatility and quiet leadership, Ryan isn’t the type of player who commands headlines, but his value to the team has never been in question.
Despite signing a two-year deal worth $1.8 million in June 2023, fans are now questioning whether he will even play out the final year of that contract.
Five Games Short of the Stanley Cup Club
One particularly emotional reaction from a fan pointed out that Ryan is just five regular-season games short of meeting the threshold to have his name engraved on the Stanley Cup, should the Oilers go all the way this year.
NHL rules typically require a player to appear in at least 41 regular-season games or play in the Finals to qualify.
“Ah dang. I was hoping he’d stick around the club in a coaching or development role.
Oh well, maybe after some time off with the family he’ll swing back,” another fan added, reflecting the hope that Ryan might still have a role with the organization off the ice.
Derek Ryan: Career Marked by Perseverance
Derek Ryan’s journey to the NHL is nothing short of remarkable. Unlike most players who enter the league in their early 20s, Ryan didn’t make his NHL debut until age 29 after years of grinding it out in European leagues and the AHL.
His late start and sustained contribution over nearly a decade have made him an inspiration to many.
“He’s had a heck of a career for a guy that started late and stayed late. Class act, I wish him well,” one long-time fan commented, summing up the respect Ryan has garnered league-wide.
Community Favorite and Locker Room Leader
Off the ice, Derek Ryan has also made a lasting impression in Edmonton. From community events to charity work, Ryan and his family have been active participants in the local scene.
The reaction to Bonnie Ryan’s post reflects how deeply the community feels about the family’s potential departure.
“Oh, man! Love DR and his family – Wish them nothing, but the best! Once an Oiler, always an Oiler! 💙🧡” wrote one fan, echoing the sentiments of many.
While Bonnie Ryan has never been an outspoken public figure, her recent post shows how even small gestures can carry significant weight. Whether intentional or not, her message brought a sense of finality to Ryan’s time with the Oilers and possibly his NHL career.
It’s not uncommon for spouses of athletes to quietly break news or provide insights into career decisions, and Bonnie’s words appear to fall in that category.
Future Plans: Coaching, Scouting, or Total Retirement?
If Derek Ryan does decide to retire, what comes next? Given his intelligence and leadership, many believe he would make an excellent coach or development mentor.
“I was hoping he’d stick around the club in a coaching or development role,” a fan commented. And it’s not far-fetched—several NHL players have smoothly transitioned into behind-the-bench or front-office roles after retirement.
Ryan’s deep understanding of the game, combined with his unique path to the NHL, makes him an ideal mentor for young players who may be taking an unconventional route to the big leagues.
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