Bobby Ryan – Ottawa Senators Season Wrap

Mar 4, 2014; Edmonton, Alberta, CAN; Ottawa Senators forward Bobby Ryan (6) looks for a pass against the Edmonton Oilers at Rexall Place. Mandatory Credit: Perry Nelson-USA TODAY Sports

Bobby Ryan was the centerpiece of the Senators tumultuous off-season, after they acquired him in a trade from Anaheim on the opening day of Free Agency in the wake of Daniel Alfredsson‘s defection.

As advertised, Ryan “came in hot”, scoring 13 goals in his first 26 games of the season. His pace slowed down into December, partially due to what was later revealed to be a sports hernia that he tried to play through.

He played through that injury as long as possible until he was shut down for the season and corrective surgery on March 23rd.

He finished with 23 goals and 25 assists for 48 points, while finding solid chemistry on a line with Kyle Turris and Clarke MacArthur after not meshing well with Jason Spezza in a limited audition in that role.

HIGHS

• Topped the 20 goal mark for the 5th time in 5 full seasons
• Meshed well with Kyle Turris on the Senators 1/2 line.

LOWS

• Famously snubbed for Team USA at the Winter Olympics
• Failed to reach 30 goals for a full season for the first time
• Missed the final 10 games of the season with injury that required surgery

CONTRACT STATUS

Bobby Ryan will be entering the final year of his 5year, $25.5M contract.  The Senators can begin negotiations with him on an extension in July, and they will be hoping to get him locked up as soon as possible.

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PROGNOSIS

I would prefer to think the first half of the season is more representative of what Bobby Ryan can contribute in the future, and chalk the second half slide up to the injury that he tried to play through.  A season of full health could see Ryan top 40 goals this coming year.

GRADE:  B+ :  He came in with scoring ability, and was the Senators leader in goals for much of the season.  He was on pace for another 30 goal season before the injury.