RW Michael Ryder
Age: 31 (Born March 31, 1980)
Height/Weight: 6’0″/192 pounds
Shoots: Right-handed
The Stars made their highest profile signing this offseason with the addition of Michael Ryder, who signed a 2-year, $7 million contract. Ryder will be here to at least try to replace some of the production that Brad Richards gave the Stars.
He’s a proven goal-scorer, having hit the 30-mark twice and it’s almost a certainty that he will have around 20 goals when the season ends. Last season, Ryder had 41 points (18 points, 23 assists) in 79 games, but where Ryder really shows up is in the playoffs. He was marvelous during the Bruins Stanley Cup run this past season. In 25 playoff games, he had 17 points (8 goals, 9 assists). In his past few postseasons, Ryder has been near a point-per-game during the playoffs. If Dallas is able to make the playoffs during his time here, you can be sure that Ryder will score some points.
With all of the line shuffling that will need to be done with the departure of Richards, Ryder will also be a big presence in the power-play. In his three seasons with Boston (2008-2011), he ranked 2nd, 2nd and then 1st on the team in power-play goals. His 25 power-play goals during those seasons was the most on the Bruins during that time period.
Ryder in the playoffs this year against Tampa. Ryder does the dirty work around the net in these goals and that kind of player would be great to have on the power-play. Brendan Morrow does a fine job, but Dallas lacked a second player that could set those screens on the net. Ryder solves that problem.
