The Rypper takes a Break

The press guys thought that Rick Rypien and Kevin Bieksa had been traded this morning. Rypien was missing from practice and assistant captain Bieksa was pulled aside by Mike Gillis away from media. It later came down that Rick Rypien was granted a personal leave of absence from the team, with no deadline to return. It seems to be known pretty well around the city that the fan favorite has been battling some personal demons away from the ice the last few years. You can assume all you like, and in this case it seems many are assuming correctly. And, yeah, I know fans have been quick to jump on him and coach V that he gets so many so called second chances, but it’s evident that he’s seen as a quality and well liked guy in the room. And you need those. Just because these folks play a game doesn’t mean that’s the only place they have each others back.