Bobby Ryan actually wants to play in Ottawa!

Bobby Ryan (right) is getting comfortable in Ottawa

The Ottawa Senators finally stopped the bleeding by signing Bobby Ryan to a long-term contract this week.

In recent years, the Senators lost star players Jason Spezza, Daniel Alfredsson and Dany Heatley who all chose to leave the team.

While many fans and pundits argue Ottawa overpaid Ryan by giving him a $50.75-million contract over seven years, Ryan is still an American star who chose to sign long-term in a small Canadian market.

Many hockey fans just assume players won't go to small-market Canadian cities like Winnipeg, Ottawa and Edmonton, but I think this is a lazy narrative. These fans seem focused on the fact that some American teams can offer great weather, less media scrutiny, and a better tax rate. While these can be important factors when a player is choosing between teams, many players still pick well-run organizations where they have a chance at winning the Stanley Cup.

A good example is the Detroit Red Wings. Despite not being located in a traditionally desirable city, the Red Wings have managed to retain star players and attract important complimentary players.

Small-market teams can still be attractive to players even if they are not cup contenders. While Ryan must have had his reasons for signing with the Senators, they probably didn't include having a good chance at winning the cup in the next couple of years.

For the Senators, the Ryan signing is massively important, even if they overpaid. The Senators gave up important assets to acquire Ryan and the organization needed to stop the perception that star players want out of Ottawa.

If Ottawa wants to attract more elite players however, they will likely have to get better. Not all teams are located near a scenic beach, or a year-round golf course, but teams that win can always attract good players.