"Bob Murray tried to sign Bobby Ryan to a long-term deal earlier this summer, even going so far as publicly revealing the terms of five years and $25 million. He was rebuffed, so now he's going at it in a different way.

During a conference call on Monday, Murray told reporters, "There is the Bobby Ryan issue still sitting out there and we're attempting to go at that in a different way in the next couple of days."

Asked to clarify, Murray said, "I don't want to comment on contract negotiations, but we're going to try something different and that's all I'm going to say." He was then asked if that means a shorter-term deal, but Murray stood his ground and wouldn't comment.

"That has to fall into place," he said.

Murray also fielded questions on the rampant rumors of Paul Kariya's imminent return to Anaheim, which were fueled earlier Monday when Teemu Selanne said on his conference call that he has spoken with both Kariya and Murray and hopes they can work it out.

The GM said nothing about the history that Kariya and Selanne have together in Anaheim or whether the magic they created from 1996-2001 will factor into what the team ultimately decides."