CAN WE TALK?

Fans, who appreciate his accessibility and humble attitude off the ice as well, are fully aware that Ryan will be a restricted free agent on July 1, unless a new contract is signed before then. None of them want to see an RFA offer sheet situation a la Dustin Penner two and a half years ago.

The problem is that neither current GM Bob Murray nor Ryan’s agent are talking.

“I heard one thing early in the year that there was going to be some talks, and then that was the end of it,” said Ryan. “I think everybody was just kind of waiting to see how the year develops and see where everything went and go from there.”

It seems likely that there will not be any further contract negotiations until the end of the season, but Ryan is hopeful that both sides can come to an agreement.

“I’ve stressed to them on a number of occasions that I would like to stay a Duck and I consider this place my first home,” Ryan stated. “I love the area, love the team, love the guys in the room. So I would like to think that it probably works out, that’s for sure.”