The Athletic’s Max Bultman spoke with Red Wings pro try-out forward Bobby Ryan regarding Ryan’s attempts to earn an NHL contract with the Wings, as Ryan battles with Lucas Raymond (to some extent) for a top-six spot:
“It’s been stressful, but it’s been good,” Ryan said. “At least I’m in a place where I have a comfort level, and I know the guys well and I have all the positive things around me. So stressful, but good at the same time I guess.”
Ryan also later added a bit of perspective: Even in the worst-case scenario where the Red Wings do call him in and end the tryout, “I’m back with my family in 24 hours.”
“So I’m in a pretty fortunate position,” he said. “But I’m going to try to stick around.”
It is possible, as Ryan alluded, that whether he does stick around in Detroit comes down to a competition with Raymond for a job in the Red Wings’ top six. The two are both smart, highly skilled, right-shot wingers, and while they are at opposite ends of their careers, either could make sense in the offensive role once ticketed for Jakub Vrana (who has been sidelined by shoulder surgery).
Entering the preseason, Ryan might have been the favorite to do so — despite the tryout status — given the need for the Red Wings to properly handle Raymond’s development. As the preseason has gone on, though, Raymond has looked like a player ready to make an impact in the NHL. He’s made a strong case to be on the team.
Continued (paywall)
