Detroit Red Wings forward Bobby Ryan is looking every bit like the goal-scoring forward he was known as earlier in his career, and his signing has paid immediate dividends for a team in need of more offensive firepower.
Ryan, who made Red Wings team history during Tuesday night’s win over the Columbus Blue Jackets, has turned back the clock with his new teammates. His four goals in three games is tied for first in the NHL so far in the young season.
And while he won’t hit the 70 goal mark that he’s currently on pace for (we can dream, right?), his incredible comeback story continues to be written.
He took a leave of absence from the Ottawa Senators last season in order to deal with personal issues stemming from alcohol abuse. But he completed his recovery, and scored a hat trick for good measure with Ottawa in his first game back. He was later awarded the Bill Masterton Memorial Trophy for his perseverance.
And after signing a one-year deal with Detroit after his contract was bought out this summer by Ottawa, his start to this campaign has made him among the more shrewd acquisitions by GM Steve Yzerman.
Not one to shy away from such deals, Yzerman made in immediate improvement to the team last year with the acquisition of Robby Fabbri, a deal that became among the more underrated trades in recent memory.
Of course, it was Yzerman himself whom Ryan listed as the chief reason he chose to sign in the Motor City.
We’re thrilled for Ryan’s personal successes, and we hope to see them continue on the ice while wearing the Winged Wheel.
