Frustrated with Anaheim Ducks management, star winger Bobby Ryan suggested that he would be agreeable for a trade anywhere and that the Philadelphia Flyers would be his first choice, according to an interview with CourierPostOnline.com Friday.
Ryan learned through his agent, Don Meehan, that the Flyers are one of four teams interested in acquiring him.
“I heard Anaheim was a little overwhelmed with offers and they only took four seriously, but none of the teams were mentioned to me other than Philly,” Ryan, a native of Cherry Hill, New Jersey, told the site. “Everybody wants to play in your hometown, but it would be tough because a lot of expectations come when you’re put into a situation like that. For me, if I’m moved, Philadelphia would be a very ideal and comfortable place for me.”
Trade rumours circled the 25-year-old on a number of occasions during the Ducks’ disappointing 2011-12 season, but until now the sniper has indicated that he would like to remain in Anaheim.
“I take things personally,” Ryan said. “Anaheim to me has been a team over the past year that really has shown me nothing to prove that they want me here, unfortunately. Obviously, it’s not the ideal situation. When you get drafted, you want to win championships with that team and every time they look to add a piece to the puzzle, I’m the piece going the other way.
“I gotta be honest with you. At this point, I don’t care. Move me… because it’s just tough going to the rink every day knowing that if something goes wrong, you’re going to be the guy moved.”
Ryan, who has scored at least 31 goals in four straight seasons for Anaheim, saw his offensive production decline to 57 points in 2011-12 from 71 points in 2010-11.
“I thought going into the summer, with the second half that I had, some of the rumours would be put to rest,” he said. “I don’t know what it is or what I have to do to put them away.”
According to the Sporting News, the Flyers would like to acquire Ryan for a package that includes left winger James van Riemsdyk. The Ducks are reportedly insisting on Brayden Shenn.
