slamming dan said:
Is mike Van Ryn every become a factor in the nhl.
thanks
If you're asking whether Van Ryn will make the Panthers starting roster this season I'd say it sure looks like he's got the inside track.
In his 2 X-games he's certainly been a factor producing 1g 3a but more importantly playing sound fundamental defense. Keenan was quoted after the Colorado game saying "Van Ryn was certainly our best defenseman tonight." Since Lilja, Trnka and Gill were dressed for that game it might be interpreted that Van Ryn had just moved past them in the rankings.
Personally I was so impressed with Van Ryn in his first X-game appearance (vs Carolina) that I predicted he'd make the team. He was poised, decisive and effective. I believe he makes the Panthers better...and he's taking some of the sting out of the Mellanby-Morriset trade.