The Detroit Red Wings have one fewer trade chip for Monday’s deadline. The team announced today that Bobby Ryan is expected to miss the remainder of the regular season with an upper-body injury. Ryan is a pending unrestricted free agent.
It’s a brutal end to the year for Ryan, who was on something of a comeback tour this season after going through difficult times in Ottawa. The 34-year-old forward had seven goals and 14 points in 33 games for the Red Wings and could have ended up on a contender at the deadline. Instead, he’ll now have to head into an uncertain offseason once again without a contract.
Hopefully, Ryan is able to recover and return to the NHL next season, but for players of his age season-ending ailments are never a positive sign. Over a long successful career, the veteran forward has suited up in 866 regular season games, scored 569 points, and won the Bill Masterton Memorial Trophy in 2020.
For Detroit, losing Ryan isn’t ideal, but he wasn’t expected to bring back a premium asset anyway. The team is perhaps missing out on a mid-round pick, but GM Steve Yzerman has plenty of other trade chips to use—not to mention already owns six selections in the first three rounds this year.
Dammit Stevie
so much for feel good stories
Really it’s a damn shame. I want him to succeed generally as a human being but also being from South Jersey he is a guy I really wanted to see make the big comeback after all the personal issues. Good luck Bobby South Jersey is pulling for you.
Mid-late round picks for Yzerman can be like a 1st round pick for some teams.
Point, Paquette, Palat.
Get well soon Bobby.