Chicago Wolves defenseman Joakim Ryan is ready for another playoff opportunity

In 2021 the Chicago Wolves’ Joakim Ryan was stuck between the Wolves and their NHL affiliate, the Carolina Hurricanes.

But while Ryan was technically on the roster of the Hurricanes, he was a member of the taxi squad, meaning he rarely saw action in games. Ryan played a combined eight games for the Wolves and Hurricanes that season before going to the Swedish Hockey League for three years.

But this year, Ryan’s back in Rosemont, and he’s played in 57 of the Wolves’ 70 games entering Friday’s game at Milwaukee. He said that the time in Sweden was crucial in helping him stay fresh and ready to be a big part of the Wolves’ rotation.

Ryan and the Wolves will begin the AHL playoffs next week with the first-round opponent and schedule still to be determined.

“It was more of a move just to go over there and get back to playing, getting some good minutes,” Ryan said. “You want to be playing, no matter where you are.”

Ryan is playing quite a lot this season, with his 57 games checking in as the 12th most on the Wolves. In his first full AHL season since 2017, he’s quickly found a niche as one of Chicago’s most important defenders. The Wolves have given up more than three goals in a game just once in their last six games, and Ryan has been a key cog in that defensive success. He credits his improved play to the consistency of his minutes.

“Obviously it’s pretty well-defined what my role is now, what I bring to the table,” Ryan said. “I know what I bring when I’m in the lineup. So when I’m in, that’s just what I try to do to the best of my ability.”

But Ryan’s biggest contribution to the Wolves doesn’t require any ice time at all. In 2019 Ryan was a member of the San Jose Sharks, who made it to the Western Conference Finals before losing in six games to the St. Louis Blues. Ryan played in all 20 postseason games, and that experience gives him a unique perspective on the Wolves’ journey as they prepare for the postseason.

He’s made sure to stress the importance of staying focused to his teammates.

“It’s just that height and level where, you know, the smallest mistake can cost you games,” Ryan said. “So it’s just about being super focused, making sure you’re doing your job out there, and not letting your teammates down.”

Focus can be hard to come by in the postseason, especially in road games. Luckily, the Wolves are more equipped than most teams to handle a raucous opposing crowd. Six of the team’s final eight games of the regular season have been on the road, meaning the players have gotten used to both travel and rowdy fans rooting against them.

The Wolves end the regular season at 7 p.m. Saturday at Allstate Arena against Rockford.

For Ryan, the late-season road trips may actually end up helping the team once the playoffs roll around.

“We play pretty well on the road, so it’s just having that comfort level,” Ryan said. “But the travel is good … getting on the road with guys and being around each other. It’s definitely helped build even more chemistry heading into the playoffs.”

Ryan’s found his role, and his team has found its groove. There’s only one thing left to do.

“The (first-round) best of three should be a good, exciting series,” Ryan said. “Everyone’s goal is just to go as far as we can.”