Ducks' GM Murray talks Ryan, Kariya

Bob Murray tried to sign Bobby Ryan to a long-term deal earlier this summer, even going so far as publicly revealing the terms of five years and $25 million. He was rebuffed, so now he's going at it in a different way.

During a conference call on Monday, Murray told reporters, "There is the Bobby Ryan issue still sitting out there and we're attempting to go at that in a different way in the next couple of days."

Asked to clarify, Murray said, "I don't want to comment on contract negotiations, but we're going to try something different and that's all I'm going to say." He was then asked if that means a shorter-term deal, but Murray stood his ground and wouldn't comment.

"That has to fall into place," he said.

Murray also fielded questions on the rampant rumors of Paul Kariya's imminent return to Anaheim, which were fueled earlier Monday when Teemu Selanne said on his conference call that he has spoken with both Kariya and Murray and hopes they can work it out.

The GM said nothing about the history that Kariya and Selanne have together in Anaheim or whether the magic they created from 1996-2001 will factor into what the team ultimately decides.

"With my guys we try to figure out how we can put a good hockey team on the ice and be competitive. I couldn't give two cents what has gone on in the past," Murray said. "All you have to do is look at our team last year. You thought for sure Saku (Koivu) and Teemu would have chemistry right of the bat. Well, they didn't. The best laid plans don't always work. If we feel Paul Kariya can be a good fit within our organization than we will move forward."

Murray confirmed that the Ducks have room to make another move but, of course, the Ryan situation has to be settled.

"I've got to be cognizant of the fact of where we are cap-wise when I talk about anything," he said. "We don't want to leave ourselves where we were when the Dustin Penner thing hit (in the summer of 2007) or where Chicago was with their young defenseman (Niklas) Hjalmarsson (this summer). We've taken really good steps with where this hockey club is now and we'll keep plugging away at it."

Follow Dan Rosen on Twitter at: @drosennhl