Bobby Ryan has only played 21 games as the Detroit Red Wing, but hopes to have a conversation soon with general manager Steve Yzerman about his future.
That is the nature of this season shortened by the pandemic.
Ryan’s future could very well include an exchange by the April 12 deadline and then, quite possibly, a return to Detroit in the summer.
“When I signed, I knew (being traded) it was something that would be a possibility if I played well,” said Ryan on Friday. “And it would be a win-win situation if I played well, possibly to have the opportunity to go somewhere and be in a playoff race and for the team to get an advantage. I understand the business side of this thing. “
Ryan, who turns 34 on March 17, signed a one-year, $ 1 million contract with the Red Wings just minutes after the agency opened on October 9. He is tied at the head of the team with five goals and 11 points. And despite spending less than five months in the area, Ryan and his family have come to love their new home.
“We love it,” said Ryan. “My wife loves it, she is very happy in the region. I think kids like it, but who knows? I know my daughter likes to go to dance classes and things like that. But we are very comfortable here. “
So comfortable that he is already considering signing with the Red Wings again when the free agency starts on July 28, even though he is thrilled with the deadline.
“Whether it be (a change) tomorrow or five weeks from now, I feel very happy to have played here, to use the winged wheel,” said Ryan. “I love the group, I love the coaching staff. Everything was an incredible experience.
“So if there is an opportunity for me to come back in the summer, it will be a conversation that Steve will have with me. I don’t know what your plans are, but they will be at the top of my list. I really love it here. “
He said that it is strange to think about the future after so little time here.
“I feel like I’m wetting my feet like a Red Wing,” said Ryan. “It’s a little sad. I’m just starting to get comfortable with the guys, although I am, but you’re really starting to settle down, have a place in the locker room and stuff. Just the nature of the year. “
Whatever happens, Ryan still has many games left as Red Wing, including Saturday in Chicago (8 pm, Fox Sports Detroit), when the team begins a four-game trip. He will not let this distract you.
“When I was younger, it would have been something that weighed heavily on me, having gone through it once (negotiated from Anaheim to Ottawa in 2013),” said Ryan. “Not so much anymore. I’m just going to play. “
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