Prospect Lane Pederson could threaten Derek Ryan's job on the Edmonton Oilers

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Finnegan Frost
September 9, 2024 (4:39 PM)

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As the 2024-25 regular season is almost here, fans are keeping a close eye on top prospect Lane Pederson to make some big splashes this season.

Tyler Yaremchuk of Oilers Nation recently published an interesting article about the potential prospects who could take the last spot on the roster. Here's what he broke down:

Looking at the makeup of the forward group, I think it's fair to assume that 11 of 12 forward spots are spoken for. If they end up carrying 13 forwards then maybe someone like Raphael Lavoie ends up getting in and Corey Perry or Vasily Podkolzin are the 13th forward on opening night but really I think there's one spot that's open in training camp and it's the fourth-line centre job.

It's Derek Ryan's to lose but Lane Pederson also shoots right and he's coming off a very strong season in Bakersfield where he popped 22 goals in 66 games. He's younger than Ryan and he's cheaper at just a $775k cap hit. It's not a lot, but there's a difference and it would allow the Oilers to accrue more cap space.

Hockey insider David Quadrelli had this to say about Pederson's game:

From what I saw, Lane Pederson likely isn't a fit as a 4C. In Vancouver and Abbotsford, he mainly played on the wing. His footspeed isn't the best, but his work in tight was what impressed many. When he scored 17 goals through 18 AHL games prior to his call-up, he was a mainstay on the Abbotsford Canucks' power play and scored many of his goals in tight.

Depending on how Derek Ryan performs within the first 10 games will be the determining factor if Pederson gets a shot at being a full time NHL player. Despite Ryan having limited 4th line minutes, he will need to make the most of them to ensure his spot in the lineup.

source: Oilers Nation
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