How the Ducks Fare Without Bobby Ryan

Well, Ducks fans weren't especially too pleased with Bobby Ryan being traded away to the Ottawa Senators in the summer, but in truth, it was actually a good deal for both sides, and especially one for the Ducks and GM Bob Murray. Here are five reasons why the Ducks are better off without Bobby Ryan.

1. The play to get Jakob Silfverberg
Silfverberg was the key player that Anaheim wanted. He has four goals so far in his first four games in a Ducks uniform. He's three years younger than Ryan and has the ability to produce what Bobby Ryan has produced in his past seasons with Anaheim. Look for Silfverberg to make a huge impact on this team. He's a young and up-and-coming player with a lot of potential so it made sense for Murray to get him in return for Ryan.

2. The cap position
If Ryan stayed with the Ducks, they would've had to move a veteran or two. They probably would have had to ship Koivu out and the Ducks weren't planning on that. Silfverberg's on an entry level contact that pays him less than $1 million. Ryan is scheduled to earn $5.1 million this season and the coming season. It made sense for him to go so the Ducks can be a lot under the salary cap instead of the 2 million they would've been if Ryan stayed.

3. Well-earned Return of Rookies
In addition to acquiring Silfverberg, Murray also gained a skilled forward in Stefan Noesen, also another up-and-coming player with a potential in the NHL in the next couple years. The Ducks also get Ottawa's first-round pick, which is most likely to be a mid-round pick and would be ahead of their own pick. Hey, the Ducks are projected to finish better than the Senators in my opinion.

4. Ryan trade rumors a distraction
Bobby Ryan's name came up several times over the past three years as a player on the move for the Ducks. People ignored these rumors, but it wasn't easy. They have been open to move Ryan for a while and with Perry and Getzlaf getting new contracts, it seemed like Ryan was the odd-man out. And he'll fit right in with the Senators, now that Daniel Alfredsson has moved on.

5. A freshman roster can build a team
The Ducks disappointed in losing to the Red Wings last spring. They didn't have a lot of cap space to make a move in the playoffs either. This move sends a message to fans that the Ducks plan to stay aggressive in order to stay a playoff contender. Trust me, Bobby Ryan was not much of an aggressor. And in Ottawa, they've got plenty of aggressiveness that Ryan won't need to worry about being an aggressor.

Well, Bobby Ryan is on the move and even though he is gone from Anaheim and in Ottawa, it seems like a fair move for both parties. GM Murray wouldn't be making this move if he wasn't going to get something equal in return. And Silfverberg fits the bill with what the Ducks want in a more youthful and more aggressive squad. Look for big gains for the Ducks in the coming games. Oh, and they beat the Senators tonight 4-1 in their throwback night.