Detroit Red Wings head coach Jeff Blashill believes Bobby Ryan is poised to make a significantimpact in his first season with the team after signing as a free agent.

Ryanwas bought out by the Ottawa Senators in September and signed with the Red Wings in Octoberon a one-year, $1 millioncontract. He won the Masterton Trophy this year after publicly sharing his battle with alcohol issues.

"Bobby Ryan, I reallylike the spot hes atin his life," Blashill told The Athletic."Just talking to him on the phone, I thought it was a really great conversation. I think hes really motivated to have a great year. I think hes in a real good spot personally. He brings, obviously, a right shot to our lineup that we dont have many of. A right-shot power-play guy that, with (Sam) Gagner and him, it allows you to have a couple right shots potentially on each unit, and that brings a greater depth of types of plays that we can run.

"And hes been a high-end offensive talent, and we dont have a lot of guys that were drafted as high as he is, that have that real high-end talent. So, I think hes got a chance to have a real good year, but well see. This is a hard league, and it doesnt get easier as you get older, and youve gotta put yourself in the best position to succeed. Meaning, youve gotta be in unbelievable shape, and as you get older youve gotta keep, probably, breaking barriers of how much youre doing. I think hes doing that. Hes working with a skating coach that hes mentioned to you guys. Hes, I think, training as hard as ever, and hes coming to camp in great shape, and if he does that, I think hes got a chance to have a good impact for us."

Ryan, whohad five goals and eight points in 24 games with the Senators last season,had two years left on his contract at a $7.25 million cap hit when he was bought out.

The 33-year-old winger spent the last seven seasons in Ottawa with the Senators. Prior to his time in the nation's capital, Ryan played six seasons with the Anaheim Ducks.

He has 254 career goals and 301 assists in 833 NHL regular season contests.

Visit link:
Blashill: Ryan 'motivated to have a great year' - TSN