Sammi’s Daily: Bobby Ryan Speaks After Arrest, Toews Growing Frustrated

On this Wednesday, we’re all thinking of Bobby Ryan.

The former Anaheim Ducks star was arrested at a Nashville airport and appeared to suffer a relapse. He took to social media after his release, saying that he is ready to get better.

Ryan won the Masterton in 2020 after his hard work in the NHL’s substance abuse program to return to play. Given his strength and resilience, he will get through this, and return even better.

In other NHL news, the Capitals are still making upgrades and see a lot of room for improvement next season. On the flip side of the league, Chicago Blackhawks Jonathan Toews captain had some strong words for his club and their five-year plan.

Here are the latest news and notes from D.C. and across the NHL and more on what Toews had to say, as well as the latest on Bobby Ryan.

Capitals Links

• New assistant coach Scott Allen discussed his plans for the Capitals in 2022-23 and is ready to take the penalty kill to the next level. (WHN)
• Washington prospect Håkon Hanelt has earned an invite to Team Germany’s camp for the 2022 World Junior Championships. (WHN)
• Speaking of Hanelt, three Capitals prospects in Hanelt, Hendrix Lapierre and Vincent Iorio have formed a bromance. (WHN)
• Here’s how Washington general manager Brian MacLellan pulled off the ultimate solution to the Capitals goaltending problem. (WHN)

NHL Links

• Bobby Ryan, who most recently played with the Detroit Red Wings, was arrested at a Nashville airport after he was non-compliant with offers and unable to tell the date, time or where he was amid public intoxication. (DHN)
• Montreal Canadiens‘ No. 1 pick Juraj Slafkovsky will kick off his NHL legacy wearing No. 20 — and he has Chris Wideman to thank for the number. (MHN)
• Toews didn’t hold back as he discussed the “draining” process of the Blackhawks’ rebuild and plan for the years ahead. (The Athletic)
• Jesse Puljujarvi is staying with the Edmonton Oilers — for now — as he re-signed for one year, $3 million. (Sportsnet)

Sammi’s Top Shelf Takes

• Bobby Ryan shared this on Twitter following his arrest: “I’ve had so many incredible messages today. Thank you for all of them. Today is Day 1 (again). Mostly embarrassed, but I shouldn’t be. Today, I’m waking up and choosing better.”

I’ve had so many incredible messages today. Thank you for all of them. Today is day 1 (again). Mostly embarrassed, but I shouldn’t be. Today I’m waking up and choosing better.

— Bobby Ryan (@Bobbyry5409) July 27, 2022

• Speaking of Ryan, here is one of the best moments for the 35-year-old. In his first return to Ottawa with the Senators after his rehabilitation, he returned to home ice and scored a hat trick. It was an emotional moment that earned him a standing ovation. Just goes to show how much he means to the hockey world.

• Looking ahead to next season, I think not only Connor Brown will be a major difference maker on the penalty kill, but Evgeny Kuznetsov will continue to grow and thrive in the shorthanded position. And having Allen at the helm will help him make even more strides forward.
• Hanelt’s journey to the WJC has been a long one, especially as he missed a majority of last season — and the first chance at World Juniors in December — due to a major shoulder injury and surgery. He said it feels 100 percent better now.