Ottawa Senators: Bobby Ryan Trade Four Years Later
On July 5th 2013 the Ottawa Senators sent Jakob Silfverberg, Stefan Noeson, and a first round pick to the Anaheim Ducks in exchange for Bobby Ryan.
Four years has passed since this trade came to pass. This trade took place on the same day that Daniel Alfredsson left the Ottawa Senators for Detroit. It was a year of transition for the Sens. A deal that looked promising has turned into an up and down journey. Who won this trade is still up in the air but it may be more even than many give credit.
The Players Today
At the time of the deal Ryan was a four time 30 goal scorer and appeared to be a blossoming star. Fast forward four years and he’s still a four time 30 goal scorer. He’s established himself as someone who can be expected to chip in around 50-55 points. On the other side Slifverberg has turned into a steady player in the middle six but had a breakout season and playoffs. Noeson is looking like a bust as he now resides within the Devils organization struggling to find a stable spot in the lineup. The pick turned into Nick Ritchie who at the young age of 21 looks like he could be a quality player for the Ducks. That’s what the players in the trade look like right now.
The Trade Winner
There’s a fair argument to be made that the Ducks won this trade and overall that’s probably true. However, Ryan had a breakout playoffs this year and looked like the guy that played in Anaheim. He looked like a player that we hoped we got four years ago. It could all be a flash in the pan but if it’s not the Sens may have finally made that trade worth it.
Next: Ottawa Senators: Matt Duchene is No Longer Worth the Risk
Could This Be Ryan’s Return
Bobby Ryan is by far the highest skill player from that trade four year ago. That’s no disrespect to any of the other players involved but Ryan has the highest skill ceiling. However, he’s been underachieving for years. Now it looks like he may have finally woken up. If that’s the case the Ottawa Senators could be in for a treat next season. So, while he may be overpaid right now we’ll have to wait and see what next year brings. After all, he was given that contract for a reason.