Ryan White's presence should spark internal competition

PHOENIX – Ryan White’s only 29 but he’s old school.

The Bruins recently signed the out-of-work forward to a professional tryout and he’s on the road with the team, trying to earn a contract. Actually, the decision by general manager Don Sweeney to bring White into the mix could end up being perfect timing.

Sweeney and coach Bruce Cassidy believe internal competition is healthy and after a 1-2-0 start to the season, which includes back-to-back losses to the Colorado Avalanche, along with a few of the younger players struggling at the start, White could earn a spot on this roster.



He attended Vancouver Canucks training camp and suffered a concussion in the first preseason game. He woke up the following day and wasn’t feeling well. It took a couple of weeks before he was symptom-free and he’s been feeling better for more than a week now. The Bruins’ medical staff cleared White before he signed the PTO.

“I was pretty fortunate to get this opportunity, otherwise I’d be sitting at home, waiting to get a job. (Being at home) wouldn’t be helping me out by any means, so it’s good to be seen, it’s good to be in the mix and it’s good to be in the NHL right now,” White said.

It’s unusual for a player to sign a PTO with an NHL team during the season, especially at the start of the year.

“It’s kind of a strange situation,” he said. “It’s smart by Sweeney here to make sure I’m healthy and letting me come in and get my legs under me a bit before he makes a decision. It’s not like a lot of teams are knocking down my door to get me signed, so I’ll just come in, work hard and do my thing.”

For the younger players on the team, it’s about learning the league and finding ways to be consistent. If those players struggle in those areas, White could be breathing down their necks and vying for their jobs. Not only should the rookies pay close attention, some of the veterans should too.

Even though White’s present, Cassidy isn’t sure on the newcomer’s timeline to make an impression and maybe sign with the team.

“With a day off (today) it gets tough,” Cassidy said. “Friday’s a full practice and he would have been with the team three days and we’ll get a better feel for how he fits in, in terms of the pace and is he making plays with a certain line. His resume speaks for itself. He’s a straight-line player with guts, grit and abrasiveness to his game.”

That’s a role normally held by David Backes (diverticulitis), Noel Acciari (broken finger) and Matt Beleskey, so White has an opportunity, especially with the way the Bruins played during Wednesday’s 6-3 loss to the Avalanche.

“I wouldn’t put a timeline on it,” Cassidy said. “If we feel like we’re missing that element, (a decision to sign him) gets accelerated.”

Oh, it's safe to say it’s been accelerated after the last two losses for the Bruins. After two practices and joining the team on this road trip, it’s evident White fits in. In the room, he’s joking with guys and there seems to be a real connection. The Bruins haven’t had this type of player on and off the ice since the days of Shawn Thornton.

“Just work hard every day and show them what I’m all about,” White said. “I’ll try to fit in and hopefully show them enough to get a look. I’ve been around the league long enough to know that every day is a tryout. I’ll come in here, work hard and see what happens.”

Since the time he entered the league with the Canadiens in 2009-10, the 6-foot-0, 200-pound forward has earned the reputation as a grinder and the Bruins could use a little more of that element to their game right now.

“It’s been working for me so far in my career,” he said. “I just try to get the puck in, use my size, try to get in on the body and when all else fails, get my butt to the net and usually good things happen.”

If White does earn a contract, he already has Jan. 13 circled on the calendar. It’s the first time the Bruins play the Canadiens, a team he spent five seasons with and registered 232 penalty minutes in 141 games for the Habs. He remembers those games against the Bruins well.

“Some nights it was tough playing these guys,” he said with a laugh. “They were a big, bad team when I first got in the league. You definitely paid a price when you played the Bruins. We had a couple of good series against them and it was a lot of fun to be part of and it was definitely a special way to get your feet wet in the league.”

White’s played for a few different teams since but nothing compares to the rivalry between Boston and Montreal.

“There’s something about the hate between Montreal and Boston. I guess maybe 100 years kind of goes with it, but it’s cool to be on the other side of it now and it’ll be a little different heading into the Bell Centre, but hopefully I get that opportunity,” he said. “It would be nice to be dressed in black.”

If he’s dressed in black, that means a current player will be wearing street clothes and watching games from the press box.