Speculation: LD Joakim Ryan, Los Angeles Kings (unrestricted free agent)

[Jersey Fan 12]

Have seen talk about Johnny Gaudreau possibly returning to New Jersey but wondering if Ryan could be another "hometown" player signed as possible AHL/lower pairing depth for the organization?

One season removed from playing in 20 playoff games for the Sharks in the playoffs, the former Cornell defenseman did not have the season he would have hoped with the Kings - being a healthy scratch for most of the last third of the season after being injured part of the year.

While there are options with more upside, the 27-year-old could provide a veteran presence to the first-year pros expected in Binghamton next season while also providing depth should injuries hit the main club.

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[Zippy316]

Have seen talk about Johnny Gaudreau possibly returning to New Jersey but wondering if Ryan could be another "hometown" player signed as possible AHL/lower pairing depth for the organization?

One season removed from playing in 20 playoff games for the Sharks in the playoffs, the former Cornell defenseman did not have the season he would have hoped with the Kings - being a healthy scratch for most of the last third of the season after being injured part of the year.

While there are options with more upside, the 27-year-old could provide a veteran presence to the first-year pros expected in Binghamton next season while also providing depth should injuries hit the main club.

I'd rather just re-sign Mermis as he looked good with our current players. But Ryan would be a solid low-risk replacement if Mermis isn't re-signed.

 

[Bleedred]

Meh

I feel like this guy gets jocked for being from Jersey.

Don’t really want him. Might be decent as a #6 and definitely would be a solid #7 but don’t see why he’s needed.

 

[mdj12784]

If Johnny Hockey is going anywhere locally, it’s to Philly. No chance he wants to play here

 

[PizzaAndPucks]

Thought this dude was a Swedish undrafted player for the longest time up until now.

 

[ChicksDigTheTrap]

If Johnny Hockey is going anywhere locally, it’s to Philly. No chance he wants to play here

I would like him to go to Philly. Let him decline there.

 

[MartyOwns]

 

[SpeakingOfTheDevils]

I wouldn't hate it, but I don't really see the need.

Unless we move on from all three of Claesson, Mueller and Mermis...

 

[Ripshot 43]

Respectfully decline to the OP. We have plenty of bottom 4 talent on our D, so I think we need to attempt to acquire a top pairing D or a player that shows promise but hasn’t been given the opportunity. I would also like to see Mermis brought back and see if he can continue his solid play from last year.

 

[The Wumpus]

I never considered Gaudreau local. Salem County is down near Delaware, and 100% Flyersville.

 

[nugg]

He'd probably be an upgrade for our lefties. Ty Smith is a lefty, but has played all on the right side in juniors.

 

[My3Sons]

He'd probably be an upgrade for our lefties. Ty Smith is a lefty, but has played all on the right side in juniors.

Unless he is clearly better than all of Mueller and Butcher and Claeson and Mermis I'd pass. I don't think blocking prospects by having an underachieving veteran play protected minutes for a developing team is the way to go. As it is there is going to be incentive for whoever coaches next season to try to hide Butcher's five on five defense and Mueller's complete offensive inability. I'd really prefer to suck it up and have Mueller and Butcher play top four minutes as bad as they may be at them to allow Smith first crack at the protected minutes. If Smith isn't ready and needs some AHL time I'd give Mermis first crack on the left side before I'd bring in someone from outside. If Ryan wouldn't mind playing at Bingo and if he is not blocking any prospects from getting meaningful minutes there then ok.

 

[KovalSNIPE]

Boqvist + Wood + 1st (ARI or VAN- whichever becomes the middle pick of the 3). Too much? Too little?

I like Boqvist but if we have Gaudreau, Bratt, and Foote on the left potentially, Boqvist is kinda redundant. Wood can disappear for all I care.

 

[nugg]

Delete. Quote fail.

 

[nugg]

Boqvist + Wood + 1st (ARI or VAN- whichever becomes the middle pick of the 3). Too much? Too little?

I like Boqvist but if we have Gaudreau, Bratt, and Foote on the left potentially, Boqvist is kinda redundant. Wood can disappear for all I care.

Wrong thread?

 

[glenwo2]

Meh

I feel like this guy gets jocked for being from Jersey.

Don’t really want him. Might be decent as a #6 and definitely would be a solid #7 but don’t see why he’s needed.

And that's the only reason this was brought up.

 

[Bleedred]

And that's the only reason this was brought up.

He’s really nothing special. I think I’d rather give Mermis another look because he hasn’t gotten enough of a look at the NHL level as Ryan has.

I’m pretty sure Joakim was a DD favorite a few years back when he made his NHL debut. And Dano was also hyping him up when we played the Sharks.

 

[Nocashstyle]

I never considered Gaudreau local. Salem County is down near Delaware, and 100% Flyersville.

NJ is so small that everything is pretty “local.” Still less than two hours away from the Prudential center. I’d imagine an hour and 40 minutes in almost any other state would seem a lot closer.

For youth hockey he also would have been coming up north pretty often playing for Holly Dell or Gloucester Catholic. I’m sure northern Jersey would still be pretty familiar for him.