It seems a strange hill to die on, yet former Detroit Red Wings forward Bobby Ryan was opting to stake out ground there. And when the heat was turned up, he was choosing to dig in and become firmly entrenched it what is undoubtedly an extremely unpopular opinion.

Making a foray into a thread excitedly extolling the popularity of women’s college basketball on X, the social media sight formerly known as Twitter, Ryan was opting to play devil’s advocate.

“Name 7 players,” Ryan posted. “Not 1. Not 2…5-7. First and last names…go for it.”

It’s not hard. Caitlin Clark. Angel Reese. Flau’jae Johnson. Paige Bueckers. Aaliyah Edwards. Juju Watkins. Cameron Brink. Kamilla Cardoso. Kiki Rice. List goes on bud.

— Tristan (@tristangrfx) April 2, 2024

As poster after poster came up with the requirement of naming seven female college basketball players, Ryan would simply be insisting that they merely took to Google to find the names and in fact, weren’t actually true fans.

That logic certainly flies in the face of the fact that the ratings for Monday’s Iowa-LSU Final Four game featuring college basketball superstar Caitlin Clark of the the Hawkeyes drew a television audience of 12.3 million viewers.

By contrast, the average viewership for the 2023 Stanley Cup final between the Vegas Golden Knights and Florida Panthers was just 2.6 million viewers.

Red Wings Player Getting Ratioed

Refusing to budge on his stance, Ryan was only opening himself up for attacks from all sides. Some were merely puzzled by Ryan’s response.

“Weird take Bobby,” noted @mikeIsaak.

“What’s the endgame here?” asked @bigglesofficial.

You’re better than this, Bobby. Blowing out someone else’s flame doesn’t make yours burn brighter. She’s interested in the game. That’s where interest starts. You don’t have to be interested and that’s fine, too. See. Simple

— Matt Richard (@AlbinoSuomi) April 2, 2024

Others weren’t nearly as polite or tactful in their criticisms of Ryan’s unpopular stance. Some even went as low as to point to Ryan’s troubled past with alcohol abuse issues. That addiction saw him end up in the NHL/NHLPA Player Assistance program.

Ryan spent the 2020-21 season with the Red Wings. It would prove to be his last campaign as an NHL player. He would be gaining an invitation to Detroit’s camp in the fall of 2021 on a PTO. However, the Red Wings would be giving Ryan his release on the eve of the season.

The post Former Red Wings Player Alienating Women’s Roundball Fans appeared first on Detroit Hockey Now.

Bobby Ryan took a fall from sobriety that was both public and spectacular. His response was also public and quite impressive, to tell the truth.

While expressing disappointment in himself for relapsing in his battle with alcohol abuse, the former Detroit Red Wings forward was also offering heartflet thanks to all those who reached out to him to offer support rather than judgement in his time of need.

Bobby Ryan on the road to recovery, hope to see him healthy, happy, and back in the #NHL soon! https://t.co/qu5s8RiVbW

— The Ray & Dregs Hockey Podcast (@rayanddregs) July 27, 2022

“Every now and again you’re reminded exactly why social media exists and today is such a good reason,” Ryan posted on his Twitter account @bobbyry5409. “Thank you guys all from the bottom of my heart.

“I’ve had so many incredible messages today. Thank you for all of them.”

On Monday, Ryan was arrested at Nashville International Airport. Police would up charging him with public intoxication.

Every now and again you’re reminded exactly why social media exists and today is such a good reason. Thank you guys all from the bottom of my heart. I hate that I’m here, but it’s where I am and I’ll own that.

— Bobby Ryan (@Bobbyry5409) July 27, 2022

Airport police were alerted after Ryan was seen taking several items from an airport store without paying. The officers in pursuit found him sitting in an airport bar, awaiting a drink he’d just ordered.

According to the police report, Ryan was suffering from the effects of extreme intoxication. He was non-compliant with the officers. Upon questioning, he couldn’t tell the police officers the date, the time of day, or in fact where he was. He also struggled to stand on his own feet.

Following the standard eight-hour public intoxication hold, police ended up giving Bobby Ryan his release and dropping all charges.

No Excuses From Ryan

To his credit, Ryan isn’t blaming anyone or making excuses over his fall off the wagon.

If you’re going to really relapse.. you might as well have to travel the next day as well. I hate this, never again.

— Bobby Ryan (@Bobbyry5409) July 27, 2022

“I hate that I’m here, but it’s where I am and I’ll own that,” he tweeted. “Today is day 1 (again). Mostly embarrassed, but I shouldn’t be. Today I’m waking up and choosing better.

“I hate this, never again.”

Ryan’s Sobriety Won Him Masterton

While playing for the Ottawa Senators, Ryan was making the decision to enter into the NHL/NHLPA player assistance program in November of 2019, citing issues with alcohol abuse. After gaining control of his addiction and embracing sobriety, he returned to Ottawa’s lineup in February of 2020, playing until the season was shut down by the COVID-19 outbreak.

At the NHL awards in the offseason, Ryan was awarded the Masterton Trophy to him as the player who best exemplifies the qualities of perseverance, sportsmanship and dedication to hockey.

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He signed as a free agent with the Red Wings for the COVID-shortened 2021 NHL season, finishing with 7-7-14 totals in 33 games.

The Red Wings tendered Ryan a pro tryout invitation for last fall’s training camp. However, he was cut just prior to the start of the season.

Ryan hasn’t played in the NHL since.

The post Former Red Wings Forward Ryan Apologetic, Appreciative of Support appeared first on Detroit Hockey Now.

Former Detroit Red Wings forward Bobby Ryan, who won the Masterton Trophy in 2020 after overcoming substance abuse issues and returning to play in the NHL, apparently has suffered a relapse.

Ryan, who spent the 2020-21 NHL season with the Red Wings, spent Monday in a Nashville jail. Police ended up placing him under arrest for public intoxication at the Nashville International Airport.

According to reporting from ScoopNashville.com, Ryan was seen taking several items from an airport store without paying. Airport police were given notification of this, setting out searching for Ryan. Abandoning the stolen items on a counter, Ryan ended up entering Little Harpeth Brewing with the police in pursuit. He was found sitting at the bar, awaiting a drink he’d just ordered.

#ScoopNashville — Professional Hockey Player Bobby Ryan arrested at Nashville Airport | @Bobbyry5409https://t.co/aL2xsdfWjv pic.twitter.com/XM0ryrHWcH

— Scoop: Nashville (@scoopnash) July 27, 2022

According to the police report, Ryan was suffering from the effects of extreme intoxication. He was non-compliant with the officers. Upon questioning, he couldn’t tell the police officers the date, the time of day, or in fact where he was. He also struggled to stand on his own feet.

With the store opting not to press charges, Ryan was taken into custody, facing charges of public intoxication. Following the standard eight-hour public intoxication hold, police were giving Ryanhis release, dropping all charges.

Ryan Spent Time In NHL Substance Abuse Program

In November of 2019 when he was playing for the Ottawa Senators, Ryan was opting to enter into the NHL/NHLPA player assistance program, citing issues with alcohol abuse.

He made a return to the ice on Feb. 25, 2020, oddly enough in Nashville against the Predators. In his first home game back, Ryan scored a hat trick. September of 2020 saw presentation of the Masterton Trophy to him as the player who best exemplifies the qualities of perseverance, sportsmanship and dedication to hockey.

At the time, he spoke of his battle with alcoholism.

“Getting help and learning and becoming better in all aspects of my life is certainly better than the alternative and the way that I was headed,” he told NHL.com. “The things that I’ve learned about myself, the secondary life, the new life I’ve built. It means more to me than chasing the Cup.”

Signed With Detroit In 2020

The Red Wings were opting to sign Ryan as a free agent prior to the COVID-19 delayed 2021 NHL season. He would finish with 7-7-14 totals in 33 games.

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Detroit wound up offering him a pro tryout invitation to training camp last season. However, nearing the end of the NHL preseason, the Red Wings were giving Ryan his release.

The post Ex-Red Wings Forward Ryan Arrested In Nashville appeared first on Detroit Hockey Now.

Unwanted by the Detroit Red Wings in training camp, Bobby Ryan has finally found himself a hockey home. The veteran forward is joining Ambri-Piotta of the Swiss League and will be launching his tenure with them by playing in the Spengler Cup over the holidays.

“I’ve been a fan of the tournament,” Ryan told FullPressHockey.com. “Playing in Canada and seeing it on TSN, I always wanted to feel that atmosphere.”

Bobby Ryan si allena (ahimè da solo) alla Gottardo Arena in attesa della Coppa Spengler @spenglercup #bobbyryan #HCAP pic.twitter.com/hzWdDpX468

— HC Ambrì Piotta (@HCAP1937) December 22, 2021

Ryan, 34, spent the 2021 season playing for the Red Wings on a one-year deal. Without a contract, he took a tryout offer from Detroit but was one of the team’s last cuts.

“I was borderline depressed as the NHL season started and had to regroup to set my sights on something else – whether on or off ice,” Ryan explained. “As this came up, I got back at it, and I’m hoping to be in good form here.”

Waiting Game Continuing For Red Wings

An official announcement from the NHL on Christmas Eve was confirming that the league will extend the COVID-19 pause on the season to include all games scheduled for December 27. That means the Red Wings game slated for that day is postponed.

SCHEDULE UPDATE: @NHL delays return to game play by a day; games on Dec. 27 postponed.https://t.co/UX99dQ0tp1 pic.twitter.com/zZRrGjpt7L

— NHL Public Relations (@PR_NHL) December 24, 2021

Detroit was to play the New York Rangers at Madison Square Garden that night. Thus, currently the next scheduled game for the Red Wings will be a December 29 date at the new UBS Arena against the New York Islanders.

Around The NHL

Detroit: The NHL hasn’t scheduled games on Christmas Eve or Christmas Day since 1972. At one time, though, Christmas Day games were an annual staple of the Red Wings season.

Colorado: Oh, by the way, the NBA and NFL could learn a lesson from the NHL when it comes to holiday scheduling.

Washington: Oskar Magnusson (Sweden) is the only Washington Capitals prospect playing in the World Junior Championship.

San Jose: Several NHL coaches have already been replaced by the bench this season. Is San Jose Sharks coach Bob Boughner the next coach on the hot seat?

The post Duffer’s Dabbles: Ex-Red Wings Forward Bobby Ryan Signs In Switzerland appeared first on Detroit Hockey Now.

The Detroit Red Wings released Bobby Ryan from his tryout contract, fueling more speculation that Swedish rookie  Lucas Raymond will make the squad.

“We just made that decision that it was the best thing for us right now,” Red Wings Coach Jeff Blashill said. “I wish Bobby tons of luck moving forward. He’s a great, great person, real good player.”

With Jakub Vrana going on the Long-term Injured Reserve, the Red Wings have 12 veteran forwards. The Red Wings’ original plan is to keep 13 forwards, eight defensemen and two goalies. At practice Tuesday, Raymond skated on the top line with Dylan Larkin and Tyler Bertuzzi.

The Red Wings have until 5 p.m. today to finalize their roster. Injuries could impact the final decisions.

Ryan, 34, scored seven goals and had 14 points in 33 games last season for the Red Wings. But the Red Wings gave him a PTO (professional tryout contract) because he was popular in the room and did a good job working with younger players.

“At times it was portrayed as two guys (Raymond and Ryan) fighting for one job and that’s not necessarily the case,” Raymond said. “But certainly Lucas’ game and how other guys plays factored into it for sure. Lucas had a real good first part of camp. The last three games he was fine. His B and C game is pretty good because I don’t think he hurts you defensively, but he didn’t create a lot. But there’s a lot of factors that go into that, But his play, did that have a factor? Sure. Did other guys’ play have a factor. Yes. It definitely wasn’t two guys.”

Ryan Could Sign With Another Team

Blashill said he hopes Ryan did enough in training camp to get a contract from another NHL team. The Red Wings believe Bobby Ryan can still score.

“I hope he did (do enough to catch on elsewhere) because I think he’s a really good person and a good hockey player,” Blashill said. “I like when you get forced into some tough decisions.”

Red Wings captain Dylan Larkin said he thought Ryan “played great” throughout the preseason. Ryan had two goals and four points in six preseason games.

“He’s a great pro,” Larkin said. “He came in on late notice with a PTO and played great. I wish Bobby all the best. He’s been a great teammate, a great friend. He’s got a great story with how he’s battled adversity and I have a lot of respect for him.”

The post Detroit Red Wings Release Bobby Ryan From Tryout Contract appeared first on Detroit Hockey Now.

The Detroit Red Wings’ growing list of training camp injuries could increase playing opportunities for the team’s top prospects and veteran Bobby Ryan.

Rookies Lucas Raymond and Joe Veleno and Ryan mightplay in the Red Wings’ opener against the Tampa Bay Lightning as much out of necessity as merit.

“It’s a whole bunch of (injured) guys,” Blashill said. “We don’t know who is going to be available and who’s not. We are taking it day by day.”

Blashill didn’t say who is injured. The injured players previously identified are Michael Rasmussen who has only played one preseason game and Givani Smith.  The severity of either injury is unknown.

“We will make decisions when we have to make decisions,” Blashill said, “and not before then.”

Defenseman Moritz Seider is the only top prospect considered a lock to make the team. Lucas Raymond and Joe Veleno are bubble candidates. Raymond posted six points in his first three preseason games and then was scoreless in the past three. He was a non-factor in the Red Wings’ 3-1 loss to Buffalo Saturday afternoon.

Veleno had played better as the preseason has worn on. Raymond is more offensively gifted and Veleno is the better all-around player.

Top prospects still in the mix for roster spots

Blashill said the top prospects have to make the Red Wings “way better” to make the team this season. He also said it should be obvious to everyone that they should be on the team. They probably haven’t done that every game, but they can make the Red Wings different if they are on the team.

Raymond, 19, boasts elite skill, an ability to hide in plain sight in the offensive zone. It’s as if he’s wearing an invisibility cloak. You don’t see him and suddenly he has fired a shot on goal or created a scoring opportunity.

Veleno has made himself more valuable this season by becoming stronger. He added several pounds of muscle. Veleno said it has helped him mentally and physically against bigger opponents. He is playing with overflowing confidence.

Both players can help Detroit, even if they aren’t completely ready.

Seider will make a few mistakes

Seider has played to mixed reviews. As a rookie, his talent shows on one shift and then defensive mistakes occur on the next shift.

“You are going to have the odd mistake because he is so assertive,” Detroit center Sam Gagner said. “It’s going to be really big for us for him to play like that. He has been really impressive – his poise with the puck, his ability to read the play…”

Top prospect Jonatan Berggren never really got going because he was injured early in camp. He was sent to Grand Rapids on Saturday. Goalie Calvin Pickard was also put on waivers. Presuming he will clear, Pickard will also be assigned to Grand Rapids.

Meanwhile, Ryan’s future still seems up in the air. The Red Wings like him and it still feels as if he can be a 15-plus goal potential given the right opportunities.

The Red Wings plan to keep eight defensemen, 13 forwards and two goalies. The eight defensemen seem set. Seider and Gus Lindstrom (no options left) are the young player additions. But veteran Jordan Oesterle has only played two preseason games. Is he one of the injured players?

The Red Wings have 13 players on one-way contracts, but Jakub Vrana’s long-term injury creates one opening. Does Rasmussen’s injury create a second spot?  Vladislav Namestnikov has also only played two games. Is he injured? Does “a bunch of guys” possibly injured mean three or four openings? We could know more Monday, or maybe not.

The post Injuries Could Open the Door Wider for Detroit Red Wings’ Top Prospects appeared first on Detroit Hockey Now.

Left wing Jakub Vrana, expected to be the Detroit Red Wings’ leading scorer this season, will have shoulder surgery and be sidelined for at least four months.

“He has had some issues with it, went through the summer rehabbing and ultimately aggravated it,”  Red Wings coach Jeff Blashill said.  “Unfortunately, it was in the first practice. It could have happened three weeks into the season. That’s what happens these type of deals. Ultimately, surgery is the last option.”

Vrana, 25, was injured 10 minutes into his first practice at the Traverse City part of training camp. The earliest Vrana could be back is late January.

“Jakub thought he could get through the season,” Blashill said. “Unfortunately he couldn’t.”

Vrana’s injury opens the door for a rookie, such as Lucas Raymond or Joe Veleno, to make the team. Or, veteran Bobby Ryan, on a tryout contract could end up back on the team.  General manager Steve Yzerman also has more than $15 million in cap space to use if he wants to explore the trade market.

“(This) opens up a top six  spot and a power play spot for somebody,” Blashill said.

No matter who fills the role, the injury is a major blow for a rebuilding team that hopes, maybe even expects, to be a better offensive team this season. Vrana scored eight goals in 11 games for Detroit last season and has 30-goal potential

“Going into the season we had penciled in some big roles and he’d (have the) opportunity to score some goals for us,” Blashill said. “Certainly we would be better spot today as we stand if he was healthy and ready to go. But he is not. That is the reality of of life.”

Jakub Vrana Surgery Creates Opening

Blashill seems to be keeping an open mind about whether a veteran or a young player should be Vrana’s replacement.

“We’ve talked about someone like a Bobby Ryan or a Joe Veleno,” Blashill said. “Do they make the team? …with two young guys I’ve talked about lots (Lucas Raymond and Joe Veleno) they are going to have to play great. Bobby is going to have to play great. But if they play great there is an avenue there for them.”

Raymond is only 19. Starting in the American Hockey League would probably be beneficial for him. But Blashill has made it clear he will get a fair shot to make the team.

“If all things are equal,” Blashill said. “If we look at it and a player X is equal and a young player Y has played about the same and we keep player X and Y why wouldn’t do that. (But) if one guy is way better, then one guy is way better.”

Coach Jeff Blashill made the Jakub Vrana announcement Thursday on the morning of Detroit’s first home preseason game. Raymond will play his first NHL preseason game.

“I told him my wife is watching,” Blashill said. “He’s got to make sure he stands out that way.”

Blashill has joked in a previous press conference that for Raymond to make the team he needs to make it obvious to the point that even his wife, Erica, would know he belongs on the team. 

How does Raymond make the team?

“It’s extremely competitive,” Raymond said. “There are a lot of great players. So I’m just trying to play my game …and competing really hard.”

The post Detroit Red Wings Lose Jakub Vrana For the Next Four Months appeared first on Detroit Hockey Now.

Hockey season drew a little closer Wednesday as the Detroit Red Wings rallied for a 4-3 shootout victory over the Chicago Blackhawks in their NHL preseason opener on Wednesday. Here’s a look at three players who stood out for the Red Wings

Ryan Express

If Bobby Ryan wanted to draw up a scenario to launch his bid for a spot on the Detroit Red Wings roster, the sketch would’ve probably resembled what he actually did on Wednesday.

The veteran forward is in camp on a pro tryout. He scored the tying goal with the Red Wings net empty and 1:51 to play in the third period. Then he ended the game with a beautiful deke of Chicago goaie Kevin Lankinen to finish the shootout. He also dished out an assist.

Bobby Ryan, shootout winner! That PTO is off to a good start. #LGRW pic.twitter.com/28AkCvDWZY

— Ryan Hana (@RyanHanaWWP) September 30, 2021

“I think I have a comfort level in that I’ve been to 17 camps, I understand what camps are all about and I realize it’s about getting to preseason games,” Ryan said of being in camp without a contract. “But you feel like you’re on a shorter leash.

“I can say with absolute certainty you feel tighter and a little more restrictive. I’m fortunate that I’ve been here. I know the coaching staff, I have a good rapport with everyone in the room.”

All That Ras

Red Wings coach Jeff Blashill has talked at length about the place on the team that they see evolving for center Michael Rasmussen, and he put a lot of those things into practice on Wednesday.

Rasmussen was a presence on the ice. He occupied a net-front place on the power play. Rasmussen opened the scoring. He jumped into open space and drove hard to the net. Rasmussen made himself available for the pass and one-timed a backhand feed from Adam Erne past Lankinen.

Michael Rasmussen scores the 1st goal of the 2021/2022 Detroit Red Wings preseason off of a nice feed from Adam Erne. #LGRW pic.twitter.com/wqYwvaa3v2

— Ryan Hana (@RyanHanaWWP) September 30, 2021

“Just playing, earning ice time, earning games, earning big moments in a game, whether it’s a big face-off, power play, penalty kill, anything,”Rasmussen listed as his goals for the season. “I just want to be someone that our team can hopefully rely on and make big plays.

“Just getting trust and continuing to grow in my role, chipping in in a lot of aspects of the game.”

Stephens Stepping Up

Center Mitchell Stephens was playing opposition for the first time while wearing a Red Wings  jersey. Stephens was also making a strong case that he’ll be someone in the reckoning in the battle for the bottom-six forward roles.

He scored the Red Wings’ second goal. Stephens put a team-high four shots on goal. He delivered a hit and had a takeaway. He skated 19:24 of ice time, second among the team’s forwards behind Erne (19:38). A winner of 60% of his faceoffs, the night also saw Stephens working 3:43 while Detroit was shorthanded.

“I’m excited to show the players, the coaching staff and the management what I can bring to the team and earn opportunities,” Stephens said. “For me, it’s to come in and make a good first impression and sort of show I can help the team win.

Like Erne, who scored a career-high 11 goals for the Red Wings last season, Stephens was an acquisition from the Tampa Bay Lightning

“Adam came into exactly that same situation,” Stephens said. “He came in and he ran with that opportunity that he got here.

“For me, I want to put my best foot forward every day and show that I can contribute and play inside the structure and the system that the coaches want.”

The post Three Stars Of Detroit Red Wings’ 4-3 Preseason Win Over Chicago appeared first on Detroit Hockey Now.

Detroit Red Wings coach Jeff Blashill likes to talk about how one player’s misfortune is another player’s opportunity. That next man up philosophy tends to permeate through all NHL dressing rooms.

Bobby Ryan could be that next man up for the Wings.

Blashill offered an update Monday on the status of forward Jakub Vrana. While in the super secretive world of the NHL it’s always hard to get a straight answer regarding the status of injured players, reading between the lines, Blashill’s prognosis for Vrana didn’t sound promising.

“I would say that Jakub has had an issue that kind of flared up in practice,” Blashill said. “That’s all I really want to talk about it.”

He did have more to say, though.

“We have the potential of starting the year without Vrana,” Blashill admitted. 

Ryan An Option

If Vrana is going to miss the beginning of the season, Ryan is certainly one of the guys who could be asked to step into that void. He does show a resume of offensive productivity. Granted, at the age of 34, those pages are beginning to yellow and the ink is fading. Nonetheless, when it comes to putting the puck in the net at the NHL level, Ryan is the one extra body in Wings camp who has been there and done that.

Ryan recorded four successive 30-goal seasons for the Anaheim Ducks. He was a two-time 20-goal scorer for the Ottawa Senators. He scored seven times in 33 games for the Wings last season. That translates into an 18-goal campaign over a full 82 games.

“I think my body of work speaks for itself,” Ryan said.

I took over 1,000 pics this weekend. About 849 are of Bobby Ryan I knew the assignment #LGRW #DRWTC pic.twitter.com/CwUfZZX8Rd

— Jenn (@JDReed18) September 27, 2021

In camp on a pro tryout, Ryan’s chances of earning a spot with the Wings were appearing to be slim.

“When I look at the lineup here, I’m realistic,” Ryan said. “The top-six is pretty well spoken for, as well it should be. Those guys have earned that opportunity.”

That was before Vrana was injured and Tyler Bertuzzi revealed his aversion to vaccines.

If Vrana is out to begin the season, Ryan would slot comfortably into that role. There was also an interesting development at practice on Monday. Bertuzzi was granted a maintenance day. Ryan skated in his spot on the top line with Dylan Larkin and Filip Zadina.

Some Red Wings fans will be dismayed that it isn’t 2020 first round pick Lucas Raymond who is stepping into these slots. In order for Raymond to gain such a spot, he’ll need to be brilliant in the preseason, much like Larkin was in 2015 when he forced the Wings to keep him.

Raymond will get his chance during preseason play but won’t be gifted anything over a proven commodity.

“It helps the fact that I thought he played pretty good hockey for us last year,” Blashill said of Ryan. “I know him as a person. Let’s make sure we’re giving Bobby a good look.

“Through exhibition season, we’ll give Bobby a good look and we’ll go from there.”

Ready To Fill Any Role

Beggars can’t be choosers. Long-term Ryan recognizes his opportunity in Detroit is likely to be in a more limited role than in his previous NHL stints. And if that means changing his game to stay in the game, he’s all in.

“I would like to broaden my game,” Ryan explained. “To be a little more physical, to be a little more demanding of the puck below the circles and holding it and ragging it instead of taking opportunities to create. I won’t change much but my patience level with the puck and things like that have to be a little better and I have to err on the side of caution at times.

“Just be a little more patient in those areas for me, because your leash isn’t the same as a top-six player.

“I’m OK with that. That’s part of the process as you get older and start to play different roles within the organization or the team.”

If he finds a role with Detroit, it could very well be as the extra forward. Ryan could be someone who serves as a veteran safety valve to fill for injuries and to step in for Bertuzzi when he can’t play in Canada.

“I came in with the expectations that I would be a bottom-six player or maybe even the 13th forward,” Ryan said.

With the developments so far through a week of training camp, that role could be coming Ryan’s way.

The post Vrana Injury Means Red Wings Opportunity Could Be Knocking For Ryan appeared first on Detroit Hockey Now.

Bobby Ryan will be back in training camp with the Detroit Red Wings but that doesn’t necessarily mean he’ll be a Red Wing again this season.

Ryan, 34, spent last season in Detroit after he signed a one-year contract with the team as an unrestricted free agent. He produced 7-7-14 totals in 33 games. Ryan’s season was cut short when he suffered an upper-body injury in March. He underwent triceps surgery in May to correct the problem.

Just because Ryan is being tendered an invitation to Red Wings camp, that doesn’t necessarily mean he’s going to figure in Detroit’s plans for this season. There’s a number of possible scenarios why this PTO could be happening.

Red Wings sign Bobby Ryan to PTO https://t.co/S4QCcoqJCx pic.twitter.com/iFr5fFGCdz

— Random Hockey Bear (@thehockeybear) September 21, 2021

It could be as simple as an insurance policy against a rash of preseason injuries. The Wings know Ryan. He was a loyal soldier for the team last season. Ryan worked well as a mentor to the club’s younger players.

“Bobby was a great acquisition for us, a veteran guy that plays the game the right way,” Wings forward Robbie Fabbri said of Ryan’s performance last season. “He’s someone you want on your wing.”

No Place To Play

A four-time 30 goal scorer as an NHLer, Ryan was left out in the cold this summer. No contract offers came his way. Detroit management may be looking to return the favor for the work he did in helping with the development of the team’s youngsters. Putting Ryan in an NHL uniform for the preseason allows him to showcase his talents.

By skating in an NHL camp, Ryan is certain to be in condition to play for a team. The Wings can suit him up for some preseason games. If there’s no place for him in Detroit, this will also serve as an audition for Ryan. It’s an opportunity for him to display to other NHL teams that he’s still capable of delivering the goods.

Often, players in NHL camps on PTOs end up signing with rival teams that have a sudden need at their position. For example, in 2007, defenseman Brent Sopel was in camp on a pro tryout with the Red Wings. He left when offered a more lucrative deal by the Chicago Blackhawks.

In 2009-10, Sopel played 22 playoff games as the Blackhawks won the Stanley Cup.

The post Red Wings Sign Veteran Forward Ryan To PTO appeared first on Detroit Hockey Now.