Friday, December 18, 2009

Michael Ryan ready to play

After missing more than two months due to a preseason concussion, forward Michael Ryan is ready for game action. 

The Carolina Hurricanes yesterday placed Ryan on waivers, meaning team doctors have cleared him to play.

Coach Jeff Daniels said last week he hoped to bring Ryan into the fold for tonight's game in Lowell, but nows says he will wait until next weekend. 

Injured during an NHL exhibition game in September, Ryan has been practicing with the River Rats since October, but is still technically with the Hurricanes, as league rules prevent injured players from being reassigned. 

If Ryan clears waivers, he will be eligible for official reassignment today at noon. 

Ryan, along with injured forward Drayson Bowman, plan on returning December 26 against the Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins. Both are taking an extra week of rest as a precautionary measure. 

Last season Ryan skated in 40 games with the Rats, scoring 25 goals and 17 assists for 42 points. He also played 18 games with the Canes, landing two assists. 

Ryan joined the organization last October and re-signed with Carolina this summer on a one-year, two-way deal. He spent the previous five seasons with the Buffalo Sabres and Rochester Americans, skating in a total of 261 AHL and 83 NHL games.