So, what is the status of Michael Ryder?
Is he injured, a healthy scratch, or does Guy Carbonneau just plain ole not like him? Whatever it is, I'm sure we'll hear all about it after this post season run that Montreal is on right now.
As a fan of the Habs, I hope that his future is long with the organization. He is really going to turn out to be a great player in the years to come, and even though this year wasn't a breakout season for him, as they say: there's always next year.
The one problem I felt he had this year was that he lacked the confidence to score.
Shooting the puck was not the first thing on his mind in comparision to the last two years (where he scored 30+ goals) and not playing full-time with Saku Koivu and Christopher Higgins on the first line was also a big deal.
For a player with first-line potential, being put on the third line and sometimes fourth line is not going to help the confidence—especially when that could be his problem in the first place.
I personally think that Guy wants to cut the relationship, move Ryder out of Montreal, and try to pick up what they can for him in the offseason.
That's not a new concept to the Habs though, as they've done swung that type of a deal in the past that's seen the outgoing player rebound—just look at former Canadien Mike Ribeiro. Dallas is raking in the dividends of that deal with Montreal, as he leads his new team in points and is on a tear in the playoffs.
In the end, if Montreal does get rid of Ryder, it'll just be another move they come to regret.
I think if the man is given the chance to prove himself, play him with top-line talent, and play him in the playoffs instead of making him a healthy scratch (that is, if that's the case), then he'll flourish once again.
If those things were to happen in the next few weeks with the Canadiens, then perhaps they could revitalize Michael Ryder—give him some confidence and I'm sure that he will prove that he is worth it, and could end up having a long and healthy career with Montreal if the experiment works.
So what is the future of Ryder? Who knows?
Only time will tell, but personally I say keep him, he will be a great help to the team, the fans and the organization as a whole.
Thanks for reading.
Ryan Gillis
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2 months ago
He did start on the first line this season but struggled for two months....Ultimately Carbo was forced to put him on a #3 or #4 or send him up to eat hot dogs.
BUT !!!
The Habs are not producing offensively in this series....I expect to see #73 suit up for his calling tommorow, plus he has been hitting and playing defense better this year.
Regardless of how the team plays the rest of the way, I honestly do not see him coming back, seeing he almost went ot arbitration twice with one year deals and will be a UFA this season....
2 months ago
I agree with Kevin.
The Habs need a boost and I think that Mike can and wants to step up and they need his 30 goal prowess out there doing what he does best.
He's got a quick release when he uses it and a real accurate shot.
2 months ago
he declared in a recent interview that he felt being a more complete player, despite that he does not score 30 or more goals anymore, starting with a better defensive play.
I agree with Kevin that Ryder should see some action tomorrow.
plus, I guess the habs had enough to deal with this year, regarding his contract versus his actual productivity. I dont think they want to take the risk of another year like this (about RYder)
nice post,
2 months ago
LOL Ryder injured ? You have to be kidding. He doesn't play, even on the ice. How can he be hurt ? This was/is his last season in Montreal. The team will get nothing in return for nothing (as a player) if they manage to deal him before July 1st. Or, he is a UFA at season's end, and he'll be looking for a contract longer than the 1 year deals he's been getting.
Regarding the fear of him turning into another Ribeiro or John Leclaire, if you don't make a move because of the "ifs", then you don't deserve to be a GM.
2 months ago
Philippe, what playoff games that Ryder has played have you actually watched? You can't possibly be talking about the same Ryder that I have been watching. He has been playing a much more physical game, not to mention the improvements in his passing and defensive play. This is a player who should be on the ice, not the bench. Ryder has made a contribution every time he took the ice in this postseason. It may not be evident by the stats sheet but a true hockey fan does not need to view the stats to measure the importance a player has to his hockey club.
I think it is safe to say that if Michael Ryder does not play tonight, then his postseason is all but done. It is also fair to say that his time with the red, white, & blue will come to an end. I have agreed with the majority of the decisions made by the Canadiens this year but this is one decision I will not be getting on board with.
2 months ago
Jusr read on lapresse web site that ryder was laughing with friends on the phone while habs were losing on monday and then on wednesday he was throwing paper planes down below to philly fans while team was losing!
How do u spell FINISHED with Montreal in French? Fini!
from 2 months ago
I just wrote an article about the paper planes!! this guy stuns me!
2 months ago
I rest my case.
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