Article content continued

“It wasn’t a good way to go out. I didn’t want my Sens’ career – if it does end sometime soon – to end on a note like that. I’m happy to be back in the grand scheme of things.”

Ryan, who has four years left on a deal that pays him $7.25 million per year, has decided to ignore all the noise regarding his future.

“The last time it happened (in Anaheim) I took it personally and I was a little bit younger and didn’t quite understand there is a business side to this,” Ryan added.

“This time I was able to kind of separate from it. I had some discussions along the summer with my agent and he said, ‘Listen, what you’re reading is pretty far from the truth and if you hear from me you can take it to the bank a little bit more.’ But it’s hard not to get caught up in it when they’re circulating like that.”

Ryan said he’s been preparing since last season to return to Ottawa.

“My mindset was always that I was going to be back and if something changes then you deal with it and you adjust,” Ryan said. “I never strayed from that. You build your workout program to the time you’re on and when you’re going back. I thought differently, at times, but never prepared differently.”

Photo by Jana Chytilova/Freestyle Photo / Getty Images

After suiting up for only 62 games last season because hand injuries – including broken fingers – it didn’t take long for Ryan to address his health. It was the second question following the skate and that meant he won a bet with his wife, Danielle.

“My hands are good,” Ryan said with a smile. “I was wondering how many questions it would take. I had a side bet with my wife on it and I took the under and I won. Everything feels great and my hands are good.