Bobby Ryan

Lore & Background

Ryan began his major junior career with the Owen Sound Attack after being selected seventh overall in the 2003 OHL Selection Draft, despite initially telling OHL teams he would not play major junior. He recorded 89 points in his second season and was drafted second overall by the Mighty Ducks of Anaheim in 2005. He scored his first NHL goal in his debut against the Los Angeles Kings at The O2 arena in London, England. In 2009, he recorded a natural hat trick against Los Angeles, becoming the first rookie in Ducks history to do so, and later broke the franchise rookie point record. He was a finalist for the Calder Memorial Trophy that season.

Ryan was traded to the Ottawa Senators in 2013 and signed a seven-year contract extension in 2014. He made his first All-Star Game appearance in 2015. During the 2019–20 season, he missed approximately three months while attending the NHL player assistance program for alcohol abuse. He returned to score his fifth career hat trick in his first post-rehab home game and was awarded the Bill Masterton Memorial Trophy. After being bought out by the Senators, he signed a one-year contract with the Detroit Red Wings in 2020, scoring his first goal for the team in a 4-2 win against the Carolina Hurricanes.

Reader's Guide

Bobby Ryan's career is notable for his high draft pedigree as a second overall pick and his early success with the Ducks, where he set franchise rookie records. His time in Ottawa included a deep playoff run in 2017, where he contributed six goals and nine assists as the Senators reached the Eastern Conference Finals. His most significant legacy may be his public struggle with alcohol abuse and his return to the NHL after entering the player assistance program, for which he received the Bill Masterton Memorial Trophy in 2020. Ryan also represented the United States internationally, winning a silver medal at the 2010 Winter Olympics. His career ended quietly after a one-year stint with Detroit; he did not officially retire, continuing to receive buyout money from the Senators until 2024.

Did You Know?

• Ryan scored a goal using Minnesota Wild captain Mikko Koivu's stick after Koivu stole his own stick during a game in 2010.
• He was born Robert Shane Stevenson Jr. and his family changed their surname to Ryan after his father watched the film Saving Private Ryan.
• Ryan participated in Operation Hat Trick, a charity hockey game in 2012 to raise money for Hurricane Sandy victims.
• He was passed over by the U.S. Olympic Hockey Team in 2014 despite strong play that season.