Saving Bobby Ryan: Ducks’ Non-Trade of Winger Paying Off

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By Steve Palumbo (@StevePalumboNHL)

To say the Anaheim Ducks are on a roll is an understatement. They are 8-0-1 in the last nine games and are playing some of the best hockey in the NHL at this moment. Anaheim’s play from top has dramatically improved, and it’s been the resurgence of forward Bobby Ryan that’s made one of the biggest impacts.

The Ducks drafted the New Jersey native second overall in the 2005 NHL entry draft and he hasn’t disappointed. NHL teams covet a 6’2″ 209 pound forward that can score in any situation. Ryan certainly has lived up to his spot in the draft order; he has three straight seasons of 30 or more goals and 57 or more points.

Ryan instantly became a fan favorite and justifiably so. Naturally, it came as a bit of surprise that his name popped up in nearly every trade rumor during the first quarter of the season. But, with the Ducks winning just 10 of the first 38 games, somebody had to take the fall and Ryan appeared to be that guy.

Fortunately for the Ducks, general manager Bob Murray hung onto the 24-year-old despite a number of clubs clamoring for his services. So far it looks as though Murray’s non-trade may be his best move so far, as Ryan is one of the hottest Ducks during their second half resurrection.

Ryan scored twice, including a shorthanded goal, to help lead Anaheim to a 3-2 victory over the visiting Colorado Avalanche on Sunday evening. It was his fifth multi-point game of the season.

The multi-goal game gave him four goals in his last five games and nine in his last 13. Ryan also had his second shorthanded goal of the season, doubling his career total. With 19 goals on the season, Ryan is poised to reach 30 or more for a fourth straight year.

Just how important is Ryan to the success of the Ducks? He’s fourth in team scoring, second in goals scored to Corey Perry and tied for second in game-winning goals. The winger has racked up 20 of his 31 points and 12 of his 19 goals in Anaheim’s 22 wins.

He can do it on the defensive end as well. Ryan is a plus-9 when the Ducks win and a minus-4 overall on a team that’s been outscored by a wide margin for most of the campaign.

Even with Bobby Ryan on a tear, the Ducks are still a long-shot to make the playoffs. They gain more and more confidence with every win, though.

Stranger things have happened. Until mathematically eliminated, don’t count them out.