While many members of the NHL Players' Association have taken advantage of opportunities in European hockey leagues to stay in shape and continue to collect a pay cheque during the lockout, one NHL player has elected not to join them overseas.
Anaheim Ducks forward Bobby Ryan told a New Jersey newspaper that he is not planning to sign a deal to play in the KHL or any of the other leagues that continue to play during the NHL lockout.
"I'm going to continue to skate with the guys," Ryan told the New Jersey Courier-Post. "Whether it's coming back here (to South Jersey) for a couple weeks at a time. I think it's important to stay here (in the United States) and be part of the solution and not just run from it."
The Cherry Hill, New Jersey native does not believe that continuing to play while others are sitting out is the way to deal with business during the work stoppage.
"I'm going to handle things the way I think things should be handled," said Ryan.
The 25-year-old forward had 31 goals and 57 points last season for the Ducks, his fifth season in the NHL.
Goaltender Viktor Fasth and defenceman Luca Sbisa are currently the only members of the Ducks that have signed contracts with European squads.
