Ryan might be a little overpaid, but not that much. He's a super useful bottom six guy. Doesn't hurt you defensively, can move up the lineup if injuries happen, can play PK and PP, and is pretty consistent. Plus he's excellent at faceoffs.
Each of those qualities costs money. There will be plenty of nights when we'll be really glad to have him, and it's easy to see how a guy like that becomes a coaches pet.
|