Bobby Ryan's probably just a little cursed in that he was taken second overall in the 2005 draft, right behind Sidney Crosby and right before Jack Johnson.

History will, quite probably, show that that's not a spot where he belongs, despite having more than enough talent to make an impact in the NHL. That's heady competition for anyone, even discounting the fact Carey Price, Anze Kopitar and Paul Stastny came from that same draft class.

Ryan scored his first NHL goal in his first NHL game last week in England, but has played sparingly in Anaheim's first four games, and the Ducks are in trouble already after an ugly 4-0 loss in Columbus last night.

Anaheim demoted Ryan to Portland of the AHL this afternoon, and I expect that's where he'll spend much of his first pro season. He's only 20, so this is far from the end of the world, and a smart move on the Ducks' part.

He's got some catching up to do.