Despite dangling their high paid forward for the picking to the Vegas Golden Knights, the Senators were unable to divest themselves of Bobby Ryan's remaining term and money. Whether they really wanted to or not might never be known for sure, but protecting the likes of Ryan Dzingel ahead of him gives the indication that if Ryan's contract was off the books that Pierre Dorion wouldn't have shed too many tears.

And that might end up working to the Senators' advantage, because despite his regular season shortcomings and disappointments, he was the club's most consistent and best forward in the deep playoff run.

Going forward, Ryan still occupies a lot of cap space and his ability to continue his playoff style and avoid the injuries that plagued him (mainly to his fingers) might just be the biggest key to whether the Senators not only make the playoffs in what looks to be a more competitive Eastern Conference, but also to have more success when and if they reach the post-season.

He might not get to the 30 goal level that the Senators have expected and been annually disappointed since acquiring him the day Daniel Alfredsson departed for Detroit, but his adjustment to the Guy Boucher system has allowed him to contribute in other areas as well. That adjustment took a while, by his own admission, and there is no reason to expect that he might not be able to pick up where he left off in May.

Which is a good thing, because he is an extremely likable person with a back story that makes it tough not to pull for him. But on the ice it was a different case, and for much of the year he felt the brunt of criticism, warranted or not, because of his contract and what it means in terms of financial flexibility.

He might not reach what is expected of a player making in excess of $7M, but the closer he can get to that level, while showing the desire that was also sometimes lacking early on, will go a long way to reaching team success and proving those doubters,who feel the Senators run was "luck", "lightning in a bottle" or even a series of fortunate events, wrong.

In my mind, Ryan has gone from a player the Senators could do without to perhaps being the most important player on the roster not wearing 65.

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