Bobby Ryan Proving to be True Prize for Anaheim Ducks

"I'm glad I got drafted first, because no one remembers No. 2."

Alexandre Daigle may not have had the superb NHL career that was expected of him, but he delivered a comment that will never be forgotten in the hockey world. It holds a true meaning in some cases, but even more so when you're the No. 2 draft pick behind Sidney Crosby.

That is the set of circumstances under which Bobby Ryan was forced to enter the league in the 2005 Entry Draft as the Anaheim Ducks No. 1 pick. A major point producer for the Owen Sound Attack during his time in the OHL, Ryan was expected to do much of the same when he came to the NHL.

Ryan scored a goal in his first game, which was the first game of the 2007-08 regular season, in a match with the Los Angeles Kings in London, England. Upon failing to add any numbers in the next three games, Ryan was sent down to the AHL to join the Portland Pirates.

The New Jersey native wasn't recalled until Dec. 16, 2007. After a quick start, with two goals in as many contests, Ryan's offense dried up and he was sent back down in early January.

A Corey Perry leg injury allowed for one more call-up. Despite the opportunities, Ryan still hadn't solidified his spot in the Ducks' roster. Brian Burke, who drafted Ryan and witnessed his development in Anaheim, insisted that the 21-year-old would have to get into better shape in order to achieve full-time NHL duty.

With some assistance, Ryan was able to lose 20 pounds in the summer and reduced his body fat from 17 percent to nine percent. Arriving at training camp in September, he felt stronger, lighter, and faster.

Despite the great feeling after camp, Burke had no room for Ryan's salary upon the returns of Scott Niedermayer and Teemu Selanne. There may have been times when other teams were on his mind, but Ryan just continued to work hard wherever he played.

Fate wouldn't allow Ryan to remain in the AHL, however, and Selanne's thigh laceration gave him another shot. Now it seems all the hard work has paid off, as Ryan has averaged a point per game (12 goals, 14 assists in 26 games) this season with the Ducks.

When looking at his play, he reminds you of Johan Franzen: a power forward who can stickhandle and make fine passes. Ryan's rapidly joining the likes of Ryan Getzlaf and Corey Perry to give Anaheim yet another certifiable scoring threat.

Last Thursday in Los Angeles, Ryan scored three goals in a 2:21 span, becoming the first Anaheim rookie to record a hat trick. It was also the fastest time three goals have been recorded in franchise history.

Furthermore, it marked the fastest hat trick by a rookie in the league since 1938. Despite starting his 2008-09 season in mid-November, Ryan sits fourth among rookies in points, only seven behind current leader Kris Versteeg.

With the Calder Trophy race featuring names like Versteeg, Patrik Berglund, Steve Mason, and Blake Wheeler, you can add another to the bunch. Bobby Ryan isn't headed anywhere but up—and certainly not to the minors.