Red Wings Sign Prospect Ryno

The Red Wings signed another prospect today: Johan Ryno, a right winger from the Swedish Elite league. Ryno signed a three year entry-level contract. The 6'5", 209 lb Ryno was drafted in the 5th round, 137th overall.

From Red Wings Corner:

“Mattias and Johan are two highly-skilled young players,” said Detroit assistant general manager Jim Nill. “They will attend our training camp this fall as a part of their continuing development towards the goal of playing for
the Red Wings in the NHL."

Ryno, who turns 21 June 5, played 39 games in the Swedish elite league this season -- his first in that circuit -- tallying five goals and 11 points.

Hockey's Future ranks Johan Ryno 3rd out of 20 for the Red Wings Top 20 Prospects. They give him a 7.5 rating with a letter grade of C. A 7.5 rating is for players not quite good enough to play on the top line or pairing on a regular basis, but still possessing enough talent to contribute offensively. Think Andrew Cassels or Jason Arnott.

A "C" rating is for a player who may reach potential, but could drop 2 ratings. This player has shown some flashes, but may ultimately not have what it takes to reach his potential. The potential rating is multiplied by 80 percent for depth chart purposes to show the uncertainty of a player reaching his potential.

Hockey's Future analysis:

History:
Ryno had a very good season in Division-1 in 2004-05 and was among the
leaders on his team in scoring. He more than doubled his goals and points from
last season.

Talent Analysis:
Ryno has tremendous size for a winger and is a solid skater. He does also
have respectable, but not spectacular puck skills. He has good attitude and is a
hard worker. Ryno isn´t afriad of using his size to his advantage. He has good
scoring touch and is dangerous around the net. He possesses above average hockey sense and uses his linemates well.

redwingscentral.com has three stories about Ryno:

Aug. 8, 2005: Ryno 'has all the tools'
Feb. 5, 2007: Ryno turns season around
March 26, 2007: Wings may let Europeans develop at home

I am really excited at seeing how Ryno performs at training camp. The guy is 6'5", 200 lbs and is still filling out. From everything I've read, Ryno has offensive gifts but needs to work on his skating and aspects of his physical game.

This is a kid who will be fun watching develop. He is obviously highly-regarded by Holland and Nill and there will be plenty of time for him to develop all of his tools. This could be a player who could really help the Wings in the future.