Duffer’s Dabbles: Ex-Red Wings Forward Bobby Ryan Signs In Switzerland

Unwanted by the Detroit Red Wings in training camp, Bobby Ryan has finally found himself a hockey home. The veteran forward is joining Ambri-Piotta of the Swiss League and will be launching his tenure with them by playing in the Spengler Cup over the holidays.

“I’ve been a fan of the tournament,” Ryan told FullPressHockey.com. “Playing in Canada and seeing it on TSN, I always wanted to feel that atmosphere.”

⚪️🔵Bobby Ryan si allena (ahimè da solo) alla Gottardo Arena in attesa della Coppa Spengler💪🏻 @spenglercup #bobbyryan #HCAP pic.twitter.com/hzWdDpX468

— HC Ambrì Piotta (@HCAP1937) December 22, 2021

Ryan, 34, spent the 2021 season playing for the Red Wings on a one-year deal. Without a contract, he took a tryout offer from Detroit but was one of the team’s last cuts.

“I was borderline depressed as the NHL season started and had to regroup to set my sights on something else – whether on or off ice,” Ryan explained. “As this came up, I got back at it, and I’m hoping to be in good form here.”

Waiting Game Continuing For Red Wings

An official announcement from the NHL on Christmas Eve was confirming that the league will extend the COVID-19 pause on the season to include all games scheduled for December 27. That means the Red Wings game slated for that day is postponed.

SCHEDULE UPDATE: @NHL delays return to game play by a day; games on Dec. 27 postponed.https://t.co/UX99dQ0tp1 pic.twitter.com/zZRrGjpt7L

— NHL Public Relations (@PR_NHL) December 24, 2021

Detroit was to play the New York Rangers at Madison Square Garden that night. Thus, currently the next scheduled game for the Red Wings will be a December 29 date at the new UBS Arena against the New York Islanders.

Around The NHL

Detroit: The NHL hasn’t scheduled games on Christmas Eve or Christmas Day since 1972. At one time, though, Christmas Day games were an annual staple of the Red Wings season.

Colorado: Oh, by the way, the NBA and NFL could learn a lesson from the NHL when it comes to holiday scheduling.

Washington: Oskar Magnusson (Sweden) is the only Washington Capitals prospect playing in the World Junior Championship.

San Jose: Several NHL coaches have already been replaced by the bench this season. Is San Jose Sharks coach Bob Boughner the next coach on the hot seat?