Bobby Ryan says Flyers would be high on his list in NHL free agency

Soon-to-be NHL free agent Bobby Ryan said during a Tuesday phone interview with NBC Sports Philadelphia, that the Flyers would be high on his list in NHL free agency.

“I think any kid that has a hometown team grows up thinking they would play there some time,” Ryan said. “For a long time and so many years it felt like it might come to fruition.”

“Really, the opportunity has never presented itself, I'm not sure if it will this time around, but if the Flyers were to make an offer or extend a camp invite, they'd move high on my list because of all the connections. For me, it's one step at a time, just wait to see who makes an offer and go from there.”

While Ryan's numbers have fallen off the past few years, there is still optimism around him bouncing back. The 2005 second overall pick had four straight seasons of 30 or more goals during his time with the Anaheim Ducks. While his first few seasons with the Senators were productive, his play has dropped off in recent years, likely in part due to an alcohol addiction which he only recently came forward with. Now that he has gotten treatment and appears to be feeling better, it is possible he becomes a bargain signing for a team.

As Kevin Kurz from The Athletic mentioned yesterday, the San Jose Sharks are reportedly one of many teams who have contacted Ryan since the Senators bought out his contract about a week's time ago. It sounds like the 33-year-old will have his fair share of teams to select from once free agency begins, on October 9.

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