With Kessel signing with the Bruins it seems to me there is a great chance he will make the squad if Phil is not released for the WJC's. There's also a chance Bobby Ryan may not be there either, so it seems to me team USA will need an offenisve player like Kane on the team.
Thoughts?
Personally, I don't know the Ducks well, but here's my opinion on the Ryan situation:
Despite the loss of Lupul in the Pronger trade, I only see Ryan getting a 10-game tryout with the team, and then being sent back down to Owen Sound. Ryan is the type of guy who dramatically loses effectiveness if he isn't playing on one of the top two lines, and I'm not sure he can win that position for the Ducks this year.
If Ryan returns and Trevor Lewis ends up in Owen Sound, they are the team to beat in the OHL IMO.
Of course, it will depend on Ryan's camp, but I really don't think the Ducks are in any hurry with him, and I agree with that assessment.
IMO, young players make the most improvement simply by getting the most minutes and opportunities they possibly can, and unless Ryan makes one of Anaheim's top two lines, I don't see that happening in 2006-2007 in Anaheim. Just my opinion.