Detroit Red Wings Trade Candidates: Staal, Ryan, and Bernier

#2: Bobby Ryan

I’m going on the record saying I love Bobby Ryan. I would actually love to see him re-signed to another one-year or even two-year deal as Detroit continues to evolve into what is hopefully a  contender down the road. He’s the type of player who can be the still skilled, savvy veteran who younger teammates gravitate to. While the Red Wings would sink money into the past-their-prime veteran who was a band-aid, Ryan is in a unique circumstance where he can still impact the scoresheet and contribute in a way both on the ice and in the locker room.

So if the opportunity presented itself, could the Red Wings possibly snare a first round pick for him? In their favor is his term, low AAV, and the fact that he’s having an impact on a team that is starved for scoring. If he goes to a team where he could put them over the top, and it’ll be a lower 1st round pick, it could be possible. Think Toronto, Vegas, or even Montreal. I would suggest Edmonton but they’re already missing their 2nd and 3rd round picks. But it is Ken Holland, who loves veterans–and could be enticed—-maybe by sending him his 2nd back, to offer up that first round pick.

The more likely scenario is Ryan nets a second but why not dream? Should Ryan continue to play well and score a few more goals, the right deal could be made. Playoff wins rely on timely scoring, and Ryan is certainly one who can provide that for the right team.