Ducks' Ryan responds to rumors

Most NHL players claim not to pay attention to what gets said or written about in the media.

Anaheim Ducks forward Bobby Ryan, however, appears to be the exception to that rule. The center of recent trade speculation, Ryan told Eric Stephens of the Orange County (Calif.) Register that he's heard all about it, and said at this point being traded wouldn't be a shocker.

"I wouldn't be surprised," Ryan said Tuesday. "That's all I'll say about that."

The Ducks have lost five straight and 16 of their past 18 to fall to 14th in the Western Conference and 29th in the League heading into Wednesday's game against the Montreal Canadiens. Speculation has been rampant that some kind of change -- a player trade, a coaching change -- is imminent.

In regards to Ryan, however, Ducks General Manager Bob Murray told the newspaper, "At any time if we get offered a deal on any player that makes this team better, we would have to take a long, hard look at that."

However, Ryan told the newspaper he isn't looking to leave Anaheim.

"In a perfect world, you get drafted and you stay with a team for your career and you win (Stanley) Cups," he said. "At the same time, it's the business side of things that all comes back to. If they feel like it's got to be the right move for the team, then I'd certainly welcome it.

"If they feel like the Ducks are going to get better and I'm going to get a chance to play somewhere else, I guess I would. But I'm certainly not thinking about it day in and day out."

Sportsnet has reported the Ducks are shopping Ryan, while the New York Post has reported the New York Rangers are among a number of teams to show serious interest in Ryan.

It's no surprise multiple teams would be calling on Ryan if the Ducks were to make him available. A 24-year-old right wing taken with the second pick of the 2005 Entry Draft, he's scored at least 31 goals in three straight seasons, and scored a career-best 71 points last season. In 23 games this season, he's third on the team with 7 goals.

Ryan told the newspaper he's spoken with Murray in regard to the rumors, but said he never received any indication that he hasn't been or wouldn't be shopped. 

Contact Adam Kimelman at [email protected]. Follow him on Twitter: @NHLAdamK

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