NHL training camps open for business on Thursday morning. The Ottawa Senators are in the news today becase there are reports that their power forward Bobby Ryan has balked at a 7-year, $49 million contract extension.
Ryan has been skating with his teammates in Ottawa for the past few weeks and has said on the record that he likes playing in Ottawa. He's also said that he wouldn't mind signing a long term extension to remain a Senator after this season. His current contract expires in July. He will earn $5.1 million this season and is said to be seeking a seven to 8 year deal worth $7+ million per season. Ryan is also said to be looking for an "expanded role" which is believed to mean a penalty killing role. Ryan has said that just because the season is starting doesn't close off all opportunities to hammer out a contract extension.
Has Ryan pulled a Thomas Vanek?
You'll recall that last February, the former Buffalo Sabrs sniper told NY Islanders GM Garth Snow that he would entertain an opportunity to sign a long term deal to stay and play with John Tavares for many years to come. When Snow made Vanek a 7-year, $51 million offer, the former 40 goal scorer passed on the offer and was then traded tro the Montreal Canadiens for a coupl of prospects. Vanek signed low-dough UFA deal with the Minnesota Wild in July.
Is Ryan heading down the same path with the Senators?
Why wouldn't he autograph a $49 million guaranteed contract the minute it was presented to he and his agent?
By not signing the deal in real time, it opens the door for 29 other NHL GMs to phone Ryan's agent to inquire about his services. Philadelphia, Buffalo and other NHL clubs have expressed interest in Ryan in the past.
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