Senators' Ryan returns from player assistance program

Ottawa Senators forward Bobby Ryan practiced Wednesday for the first time since entering the NHL/NHLPA player assistance program in November, the team announced.

The veteran winger, who hasn't played since Nov. 16, was medically cleared and is working on getting his conditioning back.

"It's like missing training camp and then showing up," head coach D.J. Smith told reporters, including TSN. "So he's going to have to skate with us and do the drills, get in all the battle stuff, systems, all that stuff, so he's a ways away but he took his first step."

Though there's no timeline for Ryan's potential return to the lineup, his teammates are glad to have him back in the mix.

"It's exciting. ... he's gone through a lot and we're here to support him," said netminder Craig Anderson. "It's nice seeing him out there with a whole group of guys instead of skating by himself. It's definitely a treat for us and we're looking forward to seeing him compete with us on a daily basis and work his way back into the lineup."

Ryan, 32, is the Senators' highest-paid player with an annual cap hit of $7.25 million. He has two more years beyond this season remaining on his contract.

The New Jersey native recorded one goal and four points through 16 games before stepping away from the team.

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