NHL Free Agency: 5 teams who should sign Bobby Ryan

A Masterton Trophy winner just got bought out. Which 5 teams make the most sense for Bobby Ryan in NHL free agency?

The buyout window is open. In a surprising move, the first player to be bought out was 2019-20 Masterton Trophy winner Bobby Ryan. The Ottawa Senators decided to part ways with him and are paying him over $3.8 million for the next two seasons to clear up a roster spot. For the first time in Ryan’s career, he’ll be hitting NHL free agency.

First and foremost, Ryan has to make sure his life is in order. He’s battling addiction, which is a battle that never ends. You can’t make addiction go away. It’s a horrible, evil disease that affects its victims every day for the rest of their lives. Ryan would benefit greatly from having a strong support system like the NHL’s, but unfortunately, until he signs with another team, he won’t have access to it.

But if Bobby would like to keep on playing in the NHL, there should be a plethora of suitors for him. He’s a great guy and his Masterton Trophy proves his courage and strength. Ryan can still be an effective third or fourth line forward. He’s a year removed from having 42 points in 79 games during the 2018-19 season.

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What’s most important is Ryan’s mental health. He might not be interested in signing with anyone right now. Maybe he’d like to focus on getting his life back together. Whatever Ryan chooses to do, here at Puck Prose, we wish him nothing short of the best. Here are five teams we think would be a good fit for him.

Toronto Maple Leafs

The Toronto Maple Leafs need cheap forwards to fill out their bottom-six forward group, especially if they sign Alex Pietrangelo. Ryan will most likely come very cheap at this point. It wouldn’t surprise me if he’s willing to sign for the league minimum. Ryan would be a nice depth signing for the Leafs, as he’d be welcome on their fourth line.

Jason Spezza did quite well for the Leafs this season, making the transition to fourth line center look easy. So Toronto clearly likes having veterans there to help mentor and teach their young players. Ryan’s one heck of a guy.

Plus, let’s be honest, who wouldn’t love to see Bobby Ryan get a hat trick against the Ottawa Senators next year? The chances of it happening are best if he signs with an Atlantic Division team.

New York Islanders

The New York Islanders are probably going to have to cut into their bottom-six forward depth to make sure they can keep restricted free agents Mathew Barzal, Ryan Pulock, and Devon Toews. This could mean they’ll be looking to add someone very cheap to their fourth line. How about Bobby Ryan?

He’s a physical player who can still put pucks in the net. Sounds like a perfect fit for Barry Trotz and company as they try to potentially add a piece or two to their bottom six. Off the ice, the Islanders deserve praise for how they treated Robin Lehner, who battled similar issues. If Ryan noticed that, he might want to go to the Islanders.

New York Rangers

The New York Rangers are one of the youngest teams in the league. It wouldn’t be surprising if they look to add a veteran forward to their group. Ryan would be a great fit on their fourth line. He could also serve as a replacement for the versatile and underrated Jesper Fast, who is most likely departing in free agency.

Edmonton Oilers

No playoff team needs to improve their wing depth more than the Edmonton Oilers. They’re likely going to sign at least one wing, and probably more, this offseason. Ryan could be a very good fit for them. He could play up and down the lineup. Ryan will likely be motivated to prove to himself, and everyone else, that he’s still an NHL player. A motivated Ryan could be a very good player.

Dallas Stars

Last offseason, the Dallas Stars gave Corey Perry a one-year deal. This season, he’s rebuilt his value a bit and could find a multi-year deal somewhere on the market. If the Stars don’t bring back Perry, Ryan could be a very nice replacement for the grit and energy he brought to Dallas.