Carolina Hurricanes place NHL journeyman defenseman on waivers
The Carolina Hurricanes have made a move today, placing NHL journeyman defenseman Joakim Ryan on waivers.
The Carolina Hurricanes have placed defenseman Joakim Ryan on waivers, according to Sportsnet's Elliotte Friedman. The waiver placement indicates that Ryan is cleared to return to the ice following several weeks out of the lineup with an undisclosed injury. This is likely just a procedural step to take him off the season-opening injured reserve list, but his waiver placement may potentially signal a changing tide in his NHL career after such a long time away from the rink.
The 31-year-old Ryan is trying to work his way back into the NHL after spending the past three seasons playing in Sweden for the Malmo Redhawks. He previously played in the NHL with the Hurricanes, Los Angeles Kings, and San Jose Sharks, collecting 145 games. Over the course of that season, he chipped in 24 points and was a +1 before returning to his native land last year. This past offseason, Ryan re-signed with Carolina on a two-way contract in hopes of working himself once more into the everyday lineup of an NHL club.
Very much a dependable type of two-way defender, Ryan at times seems like a player who might have the inside track to eventually make his presence known in the NHL. He even reached a career-high in averaging more than 19 minutes per game with the Kings last season. However, his production overseas this season has been underwhelming as his offense certainly has not been there of late.
With that, Ryan's future, for the time being, anyway, appears to be headed for the AHL as he's been assigned to the Chicago Wolves should he pass through waivers untouched. That's because he is familiar with the organization, having played four games for them back in 2020-21, bagging two assists.
With a very high likelihood of suiting up for most of the year in the AHL, Ryan's experience at the NHL level makes him a nice depth option for the Hurricanes. If the Carolina defense gets dinged later this year, Ryan could be a solid call-up option given his ability to play at an effective level at the highest in the past. For now, he'll try to get back to form in the minors, where he'll earn $110K.
All in all, this is a pivotal point in Joakim Ryan's journey to work his way back to the NHL. For now, he will most likely be AHL-bound; his experience and versatility make him a candidate for a mid-season call-up. Everything beyond this season is left to be seen as he approaches unrestricted free agency next summer.
| POLL | ||
OCTOBRE 15 | 121 ANSWERS Carolina Hurricanes place NHL journeyman defenseman on waivers Will Joakim Ryan clear waivers? | ||
| Yes | 85 | 70.2 % |
| No | 36 | 29.8 % |
| LIST OF POLLS | ||
