Ottawa Senators forward Bobby Ryan is in favor of the NHL's new 3-on-3 mini-game format for the 2016 All-Star Game in Nashville, Tenn. However, he doesn't know if the annual event should even take place anymore.
Ryan played in his first All-Star Game last season in Columbus, Ohio. He said he didn't exactly enjoy the festivities and questioned whether he'd return in the future.
"I said it last year, that was a great opportunity and a once-in-a-lifetime thing, but I maybe don't need to go back," Ryan told the Ottawa Sun's Bruce Garrioch. "That's what I felt like when I got on the plane with my wife on the way home."
The 28-year-old was involved in the decision to make the switch to 3-on-3, serving as a representative for the Senators with the NHLPA.
"I was there last year and getting into the weekend was tough," Ryan said. "I'm in favor of anything trying to improve it."
But even with the implementation of the new format this season, Ryan didn't shy away when asked if the league should scrap the game.
"Probably, but I don't know what you do, right? Because everyone wants to have that opportunity to see all the premier players at once," Ryan said. "Maybe with the World Cup coming in to infuse something new, it could change things."
With seven goals and nine assists in 18 games, Ryan could very well find himself making a tough decision regarding his participation in January.