When Bobby Ryan signed a one-year deal with the Detroit Red Wings, he knew that most likely he would be dealt at the 2021 trade deadline. The Boston Bruins were seen as a potential suitor for the veteran winger.
But now, Ryan won’t be going anywhere. On Friday, it was announced that Ryan is expected to be done for the rest of the season with an upper-body injury.
Coach Blashill says Fabbri, Gagner, Nemeth are out tomorrow and that Bobby Ryan (upper body) is expected to be out for the remainder of the season.
— Detroit Red Wings (@DetroitRedWings) April 9, 2021
With the injury, his trade value plummets and Ryan, who missed the last six games with the Red Wings, most likely stays in Detroit. He’ll once again be a free agent this summer.
Ryan, who has 14 points in 33 games with Detroit, was the feel-good story of last season. After a leave of absence in which he was in alcohol rehab, Ryan scored a hat trick in his first game back with the Ottawa Senators. The 34-year-old was awarded the Bill Masterton Trophy for his “perseverance and dedication to hockey.”
While Ryan wouldn’t have been the second-line winger Bruins fans have been calling for, he could have come in and solidified a bottom-six that has struggled offensively for Boston. Ryan has more points on the year than Bruins forwards Chris Wagner, Charlie Coyle, Jake DeBrusk, Anders Bjork, and Sean Kuraly.
He wouldn’t have immediately made the Bruins front-runners for the Cup, but Ryan would have brought in some depth goal-scoring ability that the Bruins need, and it most likely only would have cost Boston a mid-round pick. But best of wishes to Ryan with his recovery and hope to see him back on the ice next season.
Ryan becomes the second Bruins trade target to come off their list. Wednesday night, Kyle Palmieri was traded by the New Jersey Devils to the New York Islanders.