Mike Van Ryn is Done for the Leafs!

On Friday morning Toronto Maple Leafs defenceman Mike Van Ryn made what had to be the hardest decision in his life. This eight year veteran who is a former 1998 New Jersey Devils first round draft pick made the painful decision to undergo major knee surgery which could end his professional career. On October 22 Van Ryn who hasn’t played a game this season due to the injury is scheduled to undergo what is termed an osteotomy which is the  same kind of operation that former Detroit Red Wings captain Steve Yzerman underwent in 2002. This is a procedure where bone is cut and the knee is realigned. Van Ryn who missed the final 16 games last year due to a torn MCL in his left knee won’t be back this season as the recovery time is a minimum of six months if at all. Since coming to the Leafs from the Florida Panthers in September 2008 injuries have taken a huge toll out of the once promising blue liner. Due to concussions, hand and knee injuries Van Ryn has only played in 27 games for the Leafs. This solid two way defenceman has scored 30 goals and 99 assists in his career with the St. Louis Blues, Panthers and Leafs. It’s not a happy time in Leafs Nation right now where they are still searching for their first win after six games.