A recent Stanley Cup Champion has been brought in to Dallas.
The contract is reportedly for 2 years, $7 million ($3.5M cap-hit).
Michael Ryder, who had 8 goals, 9 assists and 17 points in 25 games during the Bruins Championship playoff-run, signed a two-year deal worth $3.5 million per season.
Ryder, 31, scored 18 goals, 23 assists and 41 points in 79 games played for Boston last season. It was announced Thursday that the Bruins decided to let Ryder walk as a free-agent, which in turn made him a highly sought-after free-agent this summer.
The Stars were 17th in the NHL in goals-scored last season. Ryder will not help this rank too much, but he will be a strong pick-up for other reasons. He adds speed and determination to the lineup, as well as the all-important Stanley Cup experience. He will grind into the boards and work out loose pucks. He will probably fit on a second line with Jamie Benn.
Ryder will not fill the shoes of the recently departed Brad Richards, but it’s a good start.
Follow Jeff Ponder on Twitter (@jponder94) for all the latest updates on free-agent signings today.
Keywords: brad richards, dallas stars, jamie benn, michael ryder, nhl, stanley cup
