http://www.nhl.com/stats/player?repo...meOnIcePerGame
Looking at these stats, Ryan was 8th on the Hurricanes in even-strength ice time per game for forwards. That seems completely in-line with what you'd expect from him.
I'll admit that I don't really know the Carolina roster very well, but none of the names with less ice time really jump out as guys who were getting their spots stolen by Ryan.
Maybe he should be a 4th line player. In Calgary, with a fully-healthy roster, he probably is a 4th line player.