Ryder/By S. Bradley
For three years with the Bruins, Michael Ryder had some ups and some downs, but most of all, he was overpaid.
Well, that last part’s going to continue in Dallas.
The Stars today signed the former Bruins winger as an unrestricted free agent to a two-year deal at $3.5 million per season, which is down just $500,000 from what he was getting from Boston.
Ryder scored 27 goals in his first season with the Bruins, but combined for just 36 over the final two years of his deal. Of course, his eight goals — not to mention his “save” against Montreal — during the Bruins’ run to the Stanley Cup championship were still fresh in everyone’s minds as the free-agent market opened today. The Star are probably also hoping Ryder and Michael Ribeirio can rediscover the magic they had in Montreal, as ESPNDallas.com points out.
Pending the move the Bruins make to replace Ryder, right now it looks like a wise move to pass on Ryder at such steep a price, considering he doesn’t start playing hard until April. Compared to other ridiculous deals that have been handed out to role players and grinders today, Ryder might be considered a bargain. In a star-studded lineup like the Bruins, he would be a cap-strangler.
Ryder goes out on a high note, Stanley Cup,solid in the playoffs,forgiven by the fans for his sub par play the last few years,why resign here and be the fan whipping boy for a couple of more seasons,makes sense on his part to start fresh in Dallas…
This cap floor thing is really killing the structure of contract negotiations. If these numbers set the standard for future negotiations the league is going to become inflated to the degree it was post lockout.
I liked Ryder because he really did step it up when it mattered most. Sorry to see him go, but not at that price. If the market were not insane then they would have been able to keep him at 2.5 mil, which would have worked for me. Anyway, he helped get the cup and that will be the memory.
too much money out there as teams have to reach the cap floor.
I’d give him three for two years but that extra half a mill is a million dollar player on your roster. I know he wasn’t a fan favourite but I liked the guy and he played big in some big games. Thanks Michael and have fun in Dallas.
Can’t blame him for taking the $ But he had 3 years here to prove he was worth a 3m contract and as we all know he is way to inconsistent with his effort. I know noone here will forget the glove save and his wicked wrist shot. Good luck in Dallas.
Well, 3.5 was a little too much I guess. Happy trails!
Some truly mind boggling contracts handed out today. Thanks to Ryder for the great post-season contributions, especially that glove save.
Why Benoit Pouliot?
Thanks for the playoff memories!! GOOD BYE!!