I know he's a UFA this year, and he's a part time 4th line who's never cracked a lineup full time, and though I think he plays with a lot of effort- I don't believe he's ever going to be a full time NHLer as he's already 28-29.
so, what do you think (if anything is going to happen) to him?
I'd like to see us keep him within the organization and see if he'd sign a two-way contract and become one of those veteran AHL type guys (something that really hasn't existed for Buffalo in a while). He's shown that he can play at a high level in the AHL, and it might be good to keep him around as he would be good for spot duty.
but I don't know, can we sign him to a two-way contract if he played 46 games last year? he's played three years, but does he still have to pass through waivers before he can play at an AHL level- even if he's not under contract anymore?
but I don't know, can we sign him to a two-way contract if he played 46 games last year? he's played three years, but does he still have to pass through waivers before he can play at an AHL level- even if he's not under contract anymore?
He can be signed to any kind of contract. Whether he'll agree to a 2-way deal will depend on whether that's the best offer he can get. He will have to clear waivers due to his signing age (23) and years pro experience (3+). The only exclusions for 2-way deals pertain to RFA qualifying offers which isn't relevant for Ryan.
bring on the general! ryan is a nice guy and all that jazz. but macarthur showed that he can command the puck in the offensive zone and fight off players. I hope to hell that we don't trade a good player because we were playing patty cake with mike ryan in an effort to spare his feelings.
If Afinogenov goes and MacArthur spends more time in the AHL (does he need to clear waivers this year?), sure, bring him back as a 13th forward. I don't want him playing over Kaleta, though.
I like Ryan a lot, but we simply don't have room unless he's willing to play for the Pirates.
I agree, does anyone here think that someone would make him an offer? I mean- yeah the Sabres have a glut of forwards, but...is he a top 12 guy anywhere?
if so, good for him, if not, I'd like to see him still play within our organization.
He is a hard worker, a good skater, and a good guy to have around. I'd like to keep him on the team, personally. He's cheap, he's effective as a 4th liner, and again... you never question his effort.
I agree, does anyone here think that someone would make him an offer? I mean- yeah the Sabres have a glut of forwards, but...is he a top 12 guy anywhere?
if so, good for him, if not, I'd like to see him still play within our organization.
Definitely. He'll get a lot of interest from a handful of teams this season. He's done as a Sabre without question.
Chris Thorburn was able to land a spot on Pittsburgh's bottom line after we let him go, because Pittsburgh had virtually no depth. I'm sure there are other teams with little forward depth who could use a player like Ryan. Say what you want about his skill, you cannot question his ethic.
He could easily land on a team looking to change their culture since he does pour it all out every shift. I'm not sure it will be here since the Sabres are not findinig their asking price for their current crop of UFA-to-be's (ie. Max) and with MacArthur's waiver eligibility.... it's fairly crowded at the top.
So someone who could use a fast, worker bee for their lower lines... hmmm.... Toronto?
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