Derek Ryan, the leading scorer last year in the Swedish Elite League, was rumored earlier this month to be pursuing an NHL deal after his tremendous season overseas. After previous reports suggested he was negotiating a contract with the Colorado Avalanche, the 28-year-old has reached a deal with a different NHL team, the Carolina Hurricanes.
“Derek is a skilled, playmaking center,” said Hurricanes general manager Ron Francis. “He’s taken a bit of an unconventional path, but has earned a chance to play professionally in North America after having success at every level in Europe. We’re excited that he chose our organization.”
The agreement is reportedly a one-year two-way deal worth $600,000. Here’s more details from General Fanager.
Ryan is an interesting gamble by the Hurricanes. The 28-year-old scored 60 points in 55 games last year with Orebro HK in a dynamic season where he was named league MVP. He’s is a tad on the small side at 5’10”, but he’s potentially entering an NHL which is starting to value skill more than size.
The Hurricanes are only on the hook for $185K, which is a very small guarantee. If it doesn’t work out for the club, it’s not crippling. If it does, the Hurricanes may have found themselves a very talented player. It’s not likely his SEL dominance carries over into the NHL, but If he plays at all for the Hurricanes this season, the contract is a win for the club. Should he make the team, he’ll likely have to play on the fourth line, or on the wing considering the Hurricanes’ impressive depth down the middle.
Ryan isn’t the only big name player to try to transition from success overseas to the NHL. Steve Moses, who scored 36 goals last season to lead the KHL, signed a one-year $1 million deal with the Nashville Predators.
