San Jose Sharks have reportedly ‘checked in’ on free agent RW Bobby Ryan

The San Jose Sharks have reportedly “checked in” on free-agent right wing Bobby Ryan.

The San Jose Sharks are less than two weeks from the official start of free agency and this offseason certainly promises to be an eventful one for general manager Doug Wilson.

Aside from a number of key free agents to make decisions on including the likes of Joe Thornton and Melker Karlsson, Wilson will also be forced to manage a tricky cap situation while also trying to fill many of the team’s biggest needs.

And after a very difficult 2019-20 campaign, it’s clear there is no shortage of holes on the roster.

One of those holes comes with the team’s forward depth, something San Jose will undoubtedly look to address this fall. And per a recent report, there seems to be one player, in particular, that they are targeting.

The Athletic’s Kevin Kurz reported on Tuesday that the Sharks are one of a number of teams who have “checked in” on free-agent winger Bobby Ryan.

Ryan, a longtime member of both the Anaheim Ducks and most recently the Ottawa Senators is a player who should be very familiar to Sharks fans. In his 13-year career that has spanned over 450 games, Ryan has played no team more in the regular season than the Sharks.

Bobby Ryan could still provide value to the San Jose Sharks.

Once one of the more feared scorers in the league, Ryan is obviously a shell of his former self. At 33-years-old Ryan hasn’t scored more than 20 goals since the 2015-16 season.

He also played just 24 games this past campaign after taking an extended leave of absence in November to join the NHL/NHLPA player assistance program as a result of alcohol abuse.

But Ryan, who recently had his contract bought out by the Senators, was well-regarded as a great teammate during his time at Ottawa and his off-ice conquests helped him earn this year’s Bill Masterton Trophy.

Plus, he would certainly be valuable, experience depth to a Sharks team that needs help at right wing. Outside of Timo Meier, the Sharks don’t exactly have another capable right wing under contract.

Kevin Labanc and Stefan Noesen both need new contracts and even though both will likely be brought back, that doesn’t mean the team can’t use more depth there.

Without much cap space to speak of, Wilson will have to be very careful about overpaying. But at age 33, it’s unlikely Ryan commands a huge market this offseason.

Keep an eye on Bobby Ryan as a possible free-agent addition for the Sharks this offseason.