Bobby Ryan Will Not Play in Europe in the Event of a Lockout
By jer
March 5, 2012; Anaheim, CA, USA; Anaheim Ducks left wing Bobby Ryan (9) waits for the face off against the Edmonton Oilers during the third period at the Honda Center. The Anaheim Ducks defeated the Edmonton Oilers 4-2. Mandatory Credit: Kelvin Kuo-US PRESSWIRE
Yesterday, Anaheim Ducks winger Bobby Ryan told Eric Stephens of the Orange County Register that in the event of a lockout (which looks inevitable now, with less than 48 hours to go and no indication that a compromise can be made between the league and the players), he will not be playing overseas in the KHL or similar leagues. While we’ve been hearing other players, including Teemu Selanne, would likely join such leagues, Ryan says he’s not interested.
Stephens posted on Twitter that “Ducks’ Bobby Ryan said he plans to remain and skate in SoCal and hasn’t considered other playing options in case of lengthy lockout,” and quoted Ryan as stating “I know you’ll lose guys right way. That being said, I’m an NHL player. I’m not going to take somebody else’s job overseas.”
How do you feel? Is this a smart move by Bobby Ryan? What do you think of other players’ plans of playing in overseas leagues? What impact do these decisions have on their play in the NHL once the lockout is eventually resolved? Share your thoughts, our comments are open.
Jer is glad to have a Bobby Ryan story that doesn’t involve trade rumors. Follow him on Twitter @JerMeansWell.