I’ve received a comment recently that sparked some thought regarding the signing of Bobby Ryan.

Basically, it was mentioned that Brian Burke wants Ryan to be on his roster, and he would be willing to pay the big money to get Ryan in a Maple Leaf’s jersey come October. 

With that in mind, it made me think of the reasons Ryan just might chose Toronto over Anaheim when all is said and done. 

And money is small factor in the long run. 

Bob Murray has suggested that there is plenty saved up for Ryan to stay in Anaheim.  However, the contract talks continue.  The debate may be in regards to the dollar signs, or it may be in regards to the length of the contract. 

On the other hand, it may be due in part to what the Leafs can offer Ryan that isn’t listed in any contract. 

Hockey fans know that in Toronto, an all star player gets what they want.  Toronto may have exactly what Ryan wants.  

Ultimately, there are some major factors for Ryan to weigh.  

In Toronto, there is the potential for bigger pay, a hot bed hockey market, and a familiar GM in Burke.  In Anaheim, Ryan can get the same Ryan Getzlaf/Corey Perry sized salary and most likely a shorter term to play in sunny southern California where he’s already known and loved. 

However, what many have yet to consider is the ego that might crave a Toronto type market.  I wouldn’t be surprised if we see Ryan chose that atmosphere over Anaheim, simply for the potential glory.

Ryan knows the type of player he can become.  He’s the guy drafted behind Canada’s Golden Boy who is still waiting to prove his worth. 

Likewise, Burke knows first hand how great Ryan is, as he was the man who drafted him in 2005 while with the Mighty Ducks.  He pushed Ryan to become more physically fit and held him behind until he felt he was ready to enter the NHL stage.

If there is one thing a fan from Anaheim is well aware of, it is the ability that Burke posses to bring players into his world.  He’s created champions before and that is something Ryan missed out on in Anaheim.    

Not to mention, Ryan is probably tired of being that guy who went No. 2 and would love the opportunity to prove he is worth so much more. 

Burke would be willing to give Ryan that opportunity to take the Maple Leafs back to that level of competition. 

The NHL doesn’t exactly give him the type of attention he craves on the West Coast, and in Anaheim, there is even less.  Especially when you are playing on a team with Getzlaf and Perry, who tend to get more of the media mentions. 

Getzlaf is undoubtedly and rightfully taking over the Anaheim franchise.  Meanwhile, Ryan has the same ability, to become the face of a franchise, to be the leader of a team in scoring, and to ultimately rebuild a team like Toronto into something that the fans can worship on a legitimate scale. 

It is very possible to see Ryan test the market for that opportunity to find that team that wants him as a No. 1 forward. 

Anaheim can’t offer him that type of role.  Toronto can. 

In the end, it may not come down to dollars and years, it may come down to fame and glory for the young winger. 

Fans may have a difficult time seeing that aspect of Ryan’s decision.  Unless Murray can prove that he’s done everything in his power to keep Ryan with the Ducks, he might not want to show his face around Honda Center if Ryan trades in the black and orange for blue and white.