Out of the fog and back to Montreal comes Michael Ryder.
Ronald Martinez, Getty Images
The Canadiens have traded forward Erik Cole to the Dallas Stars for Michael Ryder, who returns to Montreal, and a third-round draft pick this year.
To say that the deal is a stunner would be to understate the truth. It is also the first trade for new Canadiens GM Marc Bergevin.
“He was shocked, but it’s a place where he’s been and where he’s had success,” Bergevin said on a conference call Tuesday night. “He loves the city of Montreal. I told him we’re extremely happy to have him. He brings an asset to our team that I felt we could use – he’s already had success this year and last year in Dallas. He was surprised but happy.”
Bergevin added that “there’s a very good possibility” Ryder will be in the lineup Wednesday night when the Canadiens visit the Toronto Maple Leafs (7:30 p.m., TSN, RDS, TSN 690 Radio) and that he would help the team’s power play. The Canadiens rank 10th in the NHL on the power play with an 18.9 per cent success rate.
In 19 games this season with the Stars, Ryder posted 6-8-14 totals and was plus-4. A UFA at season’s end, Ryder is earning $3.5 million this season. Ryder is on a six-game point streak with two goals and seven assists in his last six games. His 14 points are the same as Canadiens team leader Max Pacioretty, who has 4-10-14 totals in 15 games.
“He’s a sniper, he won the Stanley Cup in Boston and he understands the market in Montreal,” Bergevin said.
The GM added: “Nothing against Erik (Cole), but (Ryder) helps us in areas we need right away.”
Bergevin also said that Cole’s comments before training camp about a possible early retirement didn’t factor in his decision to make the trade.
Cole, 34, who signed with the Canadiens before last season as an unrestricted free agent for four years and $18 million, was the Canadiens’ leading goal-scorer last season with 35, a career high. He played on the top line with Max Pacioretty and centre David Desharnais. He had three goals and three assists in 19 games this season.
Ryder, 32, was chosen by the Habs 216th overall, in the eighth round, of the 1998 draft. He eventually fell out of favour with the team, a healthy scratch for much of the 2008 playoffs. He signed for three seasons with the Boston Bruins before moving on to the Stars, where he scored 35 goals last season.
“Erik Cole is a top-six, power forward who skates well, adds size, and is under contract for the next two years,” Stars general manager Joe Nieuwendyk said on the team’s website. “We thank Michael Ryder for his contributions and look forward to what Erik will bring to our group.”
Bergevin said that he is always looking to make the Canadiens better and didn’t hesitate to pull the trigger on this deal despite the fact the Canadiens are in first place in the Eastern Conference.
“We’re happy to have him,” Bergevin said of Ryder. “He brings an asset to our team we can use. We don’t make trades on stats alone, but that was definitely a big plus. He’s already had success this year.”
Canadiens trade Cole to Stars for Ryder, by Dave Stubbs
Ryder has had great NHL career for an eighth-round draft pick, by Stu Cowan
Loading ...
What will everyone be drinking for tonight’s game? Most comprehensive list of favorite alcohol wins.
GO!
If it were a weekend I’d be all over a few dark Captain and Cokes. Where it’s a work night, a few Clanceys beer will do very nicely.
Ryder on the storm …
Richard R
Price is an oyster. Unfortunately not all oysters produce pearls.
…someone put a tarp over Jimmy until He sobers up
COLE, RYDER, BERGEVIN, 2000 COMMENTS, AAAAHHHHH
@GrosBill
…though I’m drumming up support to retire Toe Blake’s # 6, I personally believe a number and name on a honored banner should be enough …I would prefer the numbers continued to be used
…unless there is an exceptional exceptional case that could be made, for instance, for a Maurice Richard or a Jean Beliveau, whom transcended the exceptional
Except for numbers 4 and 9, the others should be available
I think only Frontenac can save little Jimmy.
———————————–
…Roy, I was only in Amarillo for a couple days after staying at a relatives ranch in Oklahoma …I’ve never experienced such searing humid heat in My life
I think the Habs win tonight. They just need to skate and play a disciplined game. They’ve done well enough against the thuggish beaners in recent year when they stick to their style. That’s saying something as the beaners are a very good team.
We really need this win, IMO. The coach and players are going to come out with purpose tonight. No hot goalies in TO to stop our 45 shots
…Frontenac got Jimmy skunked
Save Jimmy! Then save Ferris!
___________________________________________________
Being a Hab fan is like buying real estate: only over the long-haul will you appreciate the true value of your investment.
Not Ferris too?
———————————–
1821.
___________________________________________________
Being a Hab fan is like buying real estate: only over the long-haul will you appreciate the true value of your investment.
I am glad to see Ryder back. I hope Cole does well in Dallas and that the place suits him. Carbo should have a joke or two tonite.
…hey Front, who bailed You out Amigo ?
I liked Cole but can’t argue over the logic of this move.
The only downside to this deal I can see is that Ryder is essentially a perimeter player and we will likely miss the sandpaper that Cole brought when he was playing up to his potential.
That said, Cole’s value will never be higher than it is right now and given his age, would likely have continued to drop had his productivity not turned around as the season wore on. By trading him now you get maximum return value and little risk in terms of tying up cap space for 2 or 3 years down the road. All in all, a brilliant business and hockey move.
—When Hell freezes over, I’ll play hockey there too—
…1700 ???
I believe it’s 1,813 +1 for mine.
So Ryder is 73 again and Gally goes to 11 I feel bad for all the people who spent money on Gally 73
Question who was the last guy over 6 feet to wear 11?
http://nickolaisblog.wordpress.com/
Yvon Lambert?
Why do people still buy NHL stuff? Never understood what makes growups wear a jersey with a name of a player on it? Not like any of these players are any kind of role models to be followed.
Interesting question. Hard to answer. I have a fake Price jersey that I paid $70 for. I also have a real RBK jersey with no name on it that I am considering putting 76 on.
It does seem a bit childish, but I think it’s like watching hockey in the first place in my case…..makes me feel like a kid again.
Go Habs Go!!
“Fans are great, but the quickest way to start losing is to listen to them.” – Sam Pollock
Wasn’t Muller over 6 ft? He sure played like it.
Ryan Walter is listed at 6′, but maybe not over.
If Ryder scores tonight, it will be his 100th goal as a Hab.
Ryder has landed.
and if he doesn’t – he’ll be a complete bust
Timotherapy
…or Guerrero if Mayweather is busy
…he is Mexican though, so Gallagher is going to have to give up 11
Was reading on my phone, accidentally read some comments by nuna and now I feel stupider.
…let’s sign Mayweather !
Lol, perhaps we trade Gionta for Byfuglien. Salaries are similar.
For Little Jimmy!
____________________
DOOOOOOOOOOOOMED!
….so..about that game tonight…
The team should be focused tonight. No way they don’t show up for this one. Lets hope the boys embarrass the Leafs and Leaf nation at home tonight. As a habs fan living in the GTA it would be greatly appreciated.
Also, I have to think some of the younger guys may have been surprised at just how quickly things can change in this business after watching Cole get traded just like that. Lets hope it lights a fire under their asses tonight!
GO HABS GO
…a number 11 that can score !
…it has been awhile
…wasn’t Parros beaten up recently by some other cement head ? …in Parros’ case, an Ivy League cement head
…if We are gonna get a cement head, I’d prefer an UNDEFEATED cement head
I think he was beaten by a meat head…
You win some in fights, you lose some in fights. Toughest job in hockey. Too bad Darren Langdon is not around or a Gino Odjick. With the Maniwaki Mauler this crap wouldn’t have happened-Gino would have lost it on Colton Orr.
Archie Bunker’s favorite MeatHead?
Richard R
Price is an oyster. Unfortunately not all oysters produce pearls.
I think Therrien will first try Ryder on a line with Lars Eller and Alex Galchenyuk.
Agreed, and if that’s the case, that’s a dangerous line.
Pac-DD-Cole was a dangerous line before season started. Lets wait and see. I think it may take Ryder a few games and perhaps some time in Michael Therrien’s Personal Development Program before he is effective as a Hab again.
Poor Gally, going to have to change his # twice… after koivu is brought back that is
So for Toronto-Brown in, Orr in, McLaren in, and Fraser in. So who does Toronto take out now? You do realize that the Leafs will murder Montreal tonight unless Prust fights Orr on the opening faceoff or first shift to calm the storm. I expect Moen and White to fight as well. But I am honestly disappointed that Montreal didn’t do anything yet in the HW department.
They had interest in Parros from Florida before he signed…maybe that is an option via trade down the road. Cap hit is friendly. Shane O’Brien from Colorado is an option as well, cap hit not friendly however, montreal likes Patrick Bordeleau who is in Colorado-Local boy who is tough at 6’5 but a bit underweight at about 205-210 pounds, but I know the Avs have invested time and effort into developing this kid.
I wouldn’t want to be Moen if he takes the night off like he did in the last Leafs game…
You dress guys that play less than 10 minutes a game, you play right in to Carlyle’s hands.
Roll four lines, forecheck, and let Toronto take penalties when their 4th line is on ice.
The Habs were guilty of starting the BS in the last game by responding to noise …
“Don’t crush that dwarf Alex Henry, hand me the pliers”
From what I know from people close to Prust, is that he wants to fight Orr and if Orr refuses that is fine. But look for Prust to challenge him. Prust has fought John Scott before, so he is not afraid. I predict:
Prust vs Orr-within the first 5 mins
Moen vs Brown-Same weight class
White vs Fraser
And maybe Prust vs McLaren
From people you know that are close to Prust – Right……
Agreed!
___________________________________________________
Being a Hab fan is like buying real estate: only over the long-haul will you appreciate the true value of your investment.
Brque is already out thanks to a Colton Orr punch. Why risk losing Prust as well?
…I think they found Jimmy laying next to Frontenac …something about Front being arrested for inducing a minor to drink
It’s mid term time again and students are hard at work with their seasonal activities of studying, cramming, and protesting for a better tomorrow.
The overriding question remains…does little Jimmy have his new protective head gear yet?
It’s time for us to do our part by cranking up the comments here to 2000.
Do it for Little Jimmy.
***SUBBANGIN’ NOW BABY!!!***
Eat, study, work out, read HIO, sleep, rinse, repeat. Pretty much my daily life. I also want the government to take more of my money for tuition.
Since Ryderland has been beaten to death by now…. how about a few bold predictions for tonights game?
I’ll say 4-1 Habs (Ryder doesn’t score)
…have We reached 1600 yet ???
God forbid Cole scores before Ryder. Can you image this place?
Cole’s going to score goals for Dallas because they’ll let him float in the neutral zone. The Stars won’t win many games though.
Cole who?
Cole Slaw.
___________________________________________________
Being a Hab fan is like buying real estate: only over the long-haul will you appreciate the true value of your investment.
Thanks. Now I crave ribs.
Mickey Ribs?
___________________________________________________
Being a Hab fan is like buying real estate: only over the long-haul will you appreciate the true value of your investment.
And Solid Potato Salad.
Richard R
Price is an oyster. Unfortunately not all oysters produce pearls.
You been waiting to use that, eh Chuck?
Made me laugh.
Go Habs Go!!
“Fans are great, but the quickest way to start losing is to listen to them.” – Sam Pollock
Bulletin: …Frontenac found unconscious behind curtain at Canadian Curling Hall Of Fame Induction !
Hey, I was just having a little nap amigo!
Mayweather to fight Guerrero May 4th !
Mayweather may be the greatest fighter of all time…and the biggest jerk of all time too…
On Carlyle’s love of Colton Orr:
http://thetwolinepass.com/2013/02/in-which-randy-carlyle-encourages-idiocy/
I give it to Colton Orr, he is useful. I would take him on my team.
It looks like Leafs’ fans will have to thank Grabovsky for giving new meaning to the expression:
“Leafs bite the big one!”
I am still thrilled. Driving the Bergevin Express right now. Since I have nothing else to add, and my views on Cole have been expressed more than enough, I’ll admit I’d rather have an everlovin’ Bonavista boy than an American. I know, it’s kinda silly, but I can’t help wanting the Canadiens to have more Canadians than, say, the Boston Bruins.
Lucky Cole, won’t have to pay those nasty Quebec taxes anymore. It’s always been about the money for this guy.
“gratuitous cheapshot”
How about more Quebecers than Tampa?
Team or the city?
Toronto will try and slow us down with their size.
We must keep our feet moving and stay our of the box. No biting! Just put the puck in the net.!
Ryder will score tonight! Not sure which of the top 2 lines he will play on.??
How to distract Colton Orr: ask him to spell his last name…is it one R or two…ugghhh (knuckle scraping)
Any relation to Bobby?
Richard R
Price is an oyster. Unfortunately not all oysters produce pearls.
…snow in Amarillo ??? …You must be ribbin’
…it’s the place I was when Elvis died !
…I’ve been all over this amazing Earth, from the Mojave to the Sahara ,,,and I’ve NEVER been in a hotter sweatbox than Amarillo Texas
They got 50 cm of snow yesterday compounded by 120 km/hr winds.
That far down, I wonder if they’ll blame it on Canada.
So Ryder is leaving the Arctic cold of Texas for the balmy tropical weather of Montreal. Lucky lad.
Chris, Got to reckon that a few spots along the Arizona – Mexico Border are just a tad hotter ie Yuma.
=================================================
The cranial flatulence of PJ Stock:
“On peut play cette game tres simplement”
“Le game est tous de hard work”
” I have a pet peeve”
Anheuser Busch is getting sued in the US for watering down their beer…now they’ve figured that out?…Canadians have been telling them that for years…
Any word on the saltpeter?
Don’t know…
Just kidding – nuna reference.
D’oh!
Ok, let’s get this mother to 2000 !!!
…even if We’ve repeated the same opinions by a quadratic expression factored to infinity
Here’s another number for you,Chris:
It’s been 16,739 days since the Laffs last won the Cup.
But,who’s counting?
WWII was shorter than the Leafs playoff drought. Just sayin”
—When Hell freezes over, I’ll play hockey there too—
Ok. I’m only here for a moment but I’ll do my bit.
Now I’ve got to decide on a new favourite current Hab.
As much as I like the idea of targeting their skilled players – that is a battle our team will not win. Habs should have addressed their lack of true HW before this game – Prust is too valuable to be fighting Orr, McLaren or Fraser and could easily get hurt. Lets not forget that we lost both games to the Leafs this year and got beat up and injured – so its not just about the scraps for all you anti- fighting fans. For this game, have White go after Dion – force him to fight and see what happens.
Ryder officially playing tonight.
Anything less than a hat trick from him,and I won’t be happy.
I was wrong. Now Ryder wears #73 and Gally wears #11.
When you get a number in the teens as a rookie, it is usually a good sign you’re not leaving anytime soon.
#11 was Gallagher’s number as a junior player in Vancouver….
Gally quipped that Rolex makes nice watches.
@Bripro
…not crying for them Brian …no matter the money, They’re still human dealing with innumerable loose ends quite a distance away …it’s bound to seriously distract Them for a period of time
…especially a season like this one, where there is zero time to getaway a few days to properly wind things up
Chris.
No question that morally, it can’t be easy for their families.
But given their lifestyle, I would trade up in an instant if I thought that I could earn in a year what will take the average North American citizen more than a lifetime to earn.
If they want stability, do like Ken Dryden.
MB got our minds brilliantly away with this trade from tonight’s BEAT-DOWN….it’s a 20 year bad dream
Why feel sorry for the Leafs?
I wrote 20 years ….not a life span
In your case, it’s a whole lifespan of sorry.
“thoroughbred”
thorougbred my ass.
There’s a lot of talk, or I thought there was, about how great the UFA crop is this year. Taking a look, I don’t see a heck of a lot that jumps out at me? A lot of older players who i wouldn’t want to sign.
This is about all is I like:
Forwards
Getzlaf, Ryan » C ANA 27 $5,325,000 2013 (UFA)
Perry, Corey » R ANA 27 $5,325,000 2013 (UFA)
###edit### Clarkson, David » R NJD 28 $2,666,667 2013 (UFA)
Horton, Nathan » R BOS 27 $4,000,000 2013 (UFA)
Clowe, Ryane » L SJS 30 $3,625,000 2013 (UFA)
Defense
Murray, Douglas D SJS 32 $2,500,000 2013 (UFA)
O’Byrne, Ryan D COL 28 $1,800,000 2013 (UFA)
You don’t like David Clarkson?
IS he a UFA? I must be blind.
Love the guy!
Clarkson is like Prust but with a much higher scoring ability. IF anything will make MB, Mellanby and Lapointe foam at the mouth. then getting Clarkson would be it.
Perry and OB can play for me any time. Bet you a donut OB returns.
“Liberals claim to want to give a hearing to other views, but then are shocked and offended to discover that there are other views.”
William F. Buckley, Jr.
That is one crappy avatar. I should have one with George W’s head up his butt. Then again, this is a Habs site, not a political one.
-EDIT- that’s better.
I love how those on the left can be both insufferably self righteous and ignore their own reasonable advice against doing something out of place at the same time. However, you were correct about one thing … this is a Habs site and not a political one.
+1.0
I am always astonished at those supporting the right, especially if they aren’t wealthy. But, again, this isn’t the site for that. The only right or left here is who plays on the wings.
+1.0 (re your 2nd statement)
Dunkin or Tim Hortons?
Richard R
Price is an oyster. Unfortunately not all oysters produce pearls.
The habs management currently have Clarkson’s name circled a dozen times on their wish list. Everyone else comes second.
His wikipedia says he is “..officially a beast.”
HAHA, that’s awesome!
After the Prust signing, Clarkson seems the most logical guy they will go after.
And just think, iF we keep playing well and save some cap space then you would think signing in Montreal would be very appetizing to Clarkson.
Why would NJ let Clarkson walk?
______________________________________________________
“It’s just an opinion – I could be wrong”
$$$$$
He’s grown up in their system and is finally showing a pay-off.
NJ will have a ton of cap room next season. NJ’s only long term cap hits are Kovy and Zajac
______________________________________________________
“It’s just an opinion – I could be wrong”
O’Byrne,Clarkson, Clowe and Riberio thank-you.
Ribeiro? The Habs are a hockey club not a night club…
He’s better than Ovie !
I’m licking my chops at the idea of Horton, but only for the right price.
“There’s genius everywhere, but until they turn pro, it’s like popcorn in the pan. Some pop… some don’t.”
- Jerry Maguire
He’s a guy that became tough in Boston with Thorton, Lucic and Chara behind him…also injury prone…not interested…
AND not one will sign in Montreal!
You are probably closer to what they will get than the others.
Broken record over here, people will sign, your opinion is noted.
I think the Habs will throw a big pile of money at Clarkson. Cole money, baby!
“thoroughbred”
So what are the new lines going to look like??
Cole had to go because of his terrible start, his (twice) musing about retirement and his reprehensible comments about Roman Hamrlik and the right to express a free opinion regarding the lockout and CBA.
Three strikes.
As well as the two Strike 4′s coming up, as in,
4 million dollars in 2013-2014, and
4 million dollars in 14-15.
He had to go because he expressed an opinion about Roman Hamrlik’s opinion?
Sounds like that Bill Buckley quote applies to you.
man that comment is just, is just… well totally right and i completely agree.. weird
Why MB deserves credit for this move.
a) Saves 2 tears of COle’s salary which many here were worried about.
b) We really needed a right handed shot on the PP.
c) Saves 1 million prorated this year.
d) Cole was not happy with alot of aspects of MOntreal life. This included taxes, family changes, pressure, media and constant change.
e) Last game showed we need to be able to finish chances better. IF Ryder is a one dimensional player then it is in this area.
f) COle had clearly either lost a step or lost some passion.
Good luck Erik. BUt after careful consideration I approve of this trade.
Agree 100%
Me too..
No more tears.
Ryder was part of that historic comeback against the Rangers. Glad to see him back.
He was also part of the epic collapse in the last game of the 06-07 season where Habs were eliminated.
Though he did get a hat-trick that game.
______________________________________________________
“It’s just an opinion – I could be wrong”
LOL… i was trying to be positive!
Habs had the last Laff when the Laffs were eliminated next day when the Islanders won with some unknown goalie in S/O
______________________________________________________
“It’s just an opinion – I could be wrong”
Seems as if he did (more than) what was expected of him during that (downer) of a game.
In that game Steve Begin had a brain cramp taking a penalty after the period expired as well as the coach starting Huet (just back from injury) over Halak & not pulling Huet whereas Toronto pulled Raycroft & J S Aubin was the winning goalie in the game…..
My bad memory of Ryder is when he failed to dump the puck in at the blue line in OT in game 6 against Carolina in 2006. This led to Stillman’s winning goal which was aided by Craig Rivet.