Bobby Ryan has played only 21 games as a Detroit Red Wing but anticipates having a conversation soon with general manager Steve Yzerman about his future.
That is the nature of this pandemic-shortened season.
Ryan’s future could very well include a trade by the April 12 deadline, and then, quite possibly, a return to Detroit in the summer.
“When I signed, I knew (being traded) was something that was going to be a possibility if I played well,” Ryan said Friday. “And it was going to be a win-win situation if I played well, possibly for me to get the opportunity to go somewhere and be in a playoff race and for the team to get an asset. I understand the business side of that thing.”
Ryan, who turns 34 on March 17, signed a one-year, $1 million contract with the Red Wings within minutes of free agency opening on Oct. 9. He is tied for the team lead with five goals and 11 points. And despite having spent less than five months in the area, Ryan and his family have grown fond of their new home.
“We’ve loved it,” Ryan said. “My wife loves it, is very happy in the area. I think the kids like it, but who knows? I know my daughter likes going to dance class and things like that. But we’re very comfortable here.”
So comfortable he already is considering signing with the Red Wings again when free agency begins on July 28, even if he is moved by the deadline.
“Whether (a trade) is tomorrow or five weeks down the road I feel very fortunate I’ve gotten to play here, wear the winged wheel,” Ryan said. “I love the group, love the coaching staff. Everything about it has been an incredible experience.
“So, if there’s an opportunity for me to come back in the summer, it’ll be a conversation that Steve will have with me. I don’t know what his plans are, but it will be very high on my list. I absolutely love it here.”
He said it is strange to be thinking about the future after such a brief time here.
“I feel like I’m getting my feet wet as a Red Wing,” Ryan said. “It’s a little sad. I’m just starting to get comfortable with the guys, even though I have been, but you’re really starting to settle in, have a place in the locker room and things like that. Just the nature of the year.”
Whatever happens, Ryan still has many games remaining as a Red Wing, including Saturday in Chicago (8 p.m., Fox Sports Detroit), when the team begins a four-game trip. He will not let it distract him.
“When I was younger it would have been something that would have weighed on me heavily having been through it one time (traded from Anaheim to Ottawa in 2013),” Ryan said. “Not so much anymore. I’m just going to play.”
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The Link LonkFebruary 27, 2021 at 06:24AM
https://www.mlive.com/redwings/2021/02/red-wings-bobby-ryan-sees-a-future-in-detroit-even-if-traded-at-deadline.html
Red Wings’ Bobby Ryan sees a future in Detroit, even if traded at deadline - MLive.com
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