What summer in Anaheim wouldn't be complete without another healthy dose of Bobby Ryan trade rumors? Two days before the official start of summer it looks like things are heating up again in the Ryan rumor-go-round.
According to Tim Panaccio of CSN, the Anaheim Ducks are the team actively seeking to trade Ryan and the Philadelphia Flyers are all ears.
2 NHL sources tell CSN Flyers & ANA talking of Bobby Ryan. Among scenarios being discussed: Coburn, 11th pick for Ryan... more later
This rumor is very intriguing on many levels AND it may actually have some real weight behind it. The rumor has exploded and is being reported from several outlets and it is believed that not if, but when the trade is made, it will come down right before or at the NHL draft held in Newark, New Jersey on June 30th.
The return for Ryan is said to be 28-year-old defenseman Braydon Coburn and the 11th overall pick in the 2013 NHL Entry Draft. (This is always subject to change by the millisecond)
Ryan, a Cherry Hill, NJ native is a huge fan favorite in Anaheim, but becomes expendable with all the money thrown at Ryan Getzlaf and Corey Perry. In addition the emergence of younger players like Pat Maroon and Emerson Etem have made the possibility of this trade all the more feasible.
Coburn, 6'5" and 220lbs., is a big rugged defenseman that overage more than 22 minutes a game last season in Phildalphia. He played just 33 games this season, but has played in at least 78 games since 2006-07. He would add an element of grit and dependability Anaheim was looking for when they brought in Bryan Allen. Plus he is younger! (What a concept!)
Ryan can be an offensive beast at times, but he is painfully streaky. He has potted at least 30 goals in four consecutive seasons before the lockout shortened 2013 season.
The Flyers have some serious cap issues to resolve and it looks like they have already begun to address that with the rumored amnesty buyouts of both Danny Briere and Ilya Bryzgalov. I do believe that a deal would be contingent on Anaheim absorbing some of the $5.1 million owed to Ryan in each of the next two seasons.
Last summer all the Ryan talk seemed like a creative way to kill time in the long hot mid-summer months. Not the case this time around. I do believe the Ducks upper management is looking to take the next step in 2013-14 and Ryan may be the first major chip to fall.
San Jose Sharks Blogger • 
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