Ryder picked up an assist in Tuesday's 2-0 win over the Penguins. A healthy scratch for much of the last couple of months, Ryder has since reentered the Devils' lineup the last two games while Patrik Elias deals with back spasms. Even so, Ryder's role with the team is far from secure, as he's seen less than 13 minutes in both games while occupying a bottom-six spot. Once Elias is cleared to play, it's likely Ryder will head back to the press box.

Ryder will be a healthy scratch for the second straight game Friday versus the Penguins, Rich Chere of the Newark Star-Ledger reports. The returns of Tuomu Ruutu and Jaromir Jagr from illnesses have forced the Devils to drop a forward from their lineup since the All-Star break, and Ryder has been the casualty on both occasions. The Devils like the tenacity Jordin Tootoo brings to the fourth line on a nightly basis, so it wouldn't be surprising if Ryder remains a press-box regular until an injury opens up another opportunity for the winger.

Ryder recorded a goal and assist in Wednesday's 5-3 win over the Kings. It's the fourth two-point outing of the season for Ryder, who skated on the Devils' second line next to Mike Cammalleri and Dainius Zubrus on Wednesday. Despite the decent-sized role he's carved out at even strength and on the power play, Ryder has only 18 points in 40 games this season. He'll need to deliver a sustained run of scoring before warranting more interest.

Ryder returned to the lineup Friday, scoring a goal and recording four shots on goal in a loss to Montreal. Ryder, who had missed the past four games with the mumps virus, now has 15 points (five goals) in 35 games. His goal Friday was his first point in 10 games, as the 34-year-old has been an inconsistent and frustrating fantasy option this season. Until he starts putting up points more consistently, Ryder can't be trusted in most fantasy formats.

GM Lou Lamoriello said after Friday's morning skate that Ryder (illness) would be activated to play in the game later in the evening against the Canadiens, Tom Gulitti of The Record reports. Ryder wasn't expected to return to action until next week after he logged his first skate with the team Friday morning, but because he never ran a fever while dealing with the mumps, it doesn't appear that conditioning is an issue for him. He'll likely assume a spot in the team's bottom-six forwards in his return to action.

Ryder (mumps) rejoined the Devils for Friday's morning skate, Tom Gulitti of The Record reports. Ryder skated as an extra forward and doesn't look as though he'll return to the lineup Friday night against the Canadiens, but it appears safe to say that he's past the infectious stage in his recovery from the mumps. He could be a candidate to return for Saturday's game versus the Flyers, but waiting until next week may afford him more time to regain energy and strength.

The Devils placed Ryder (illness) on IR on Monday, Tom Gulitti of the Record reports. Ryder is still out with the mumps, so the team will free up a roster spot while he's sidelined. Either Stefan Matteau or Joe Whitney will play in Ryder's place against the Penguins on Monday.

Ryder was diagnosed with the mumps Saturday, NHL.com's Shawn Roarke reports. Ryder will be isolated from the team until his symptoms subside. The virus appears to be spreading rapidly through the team, as Adam Larsson, Patrik Elias, Scott Clemmenson, and Travis Zajac have all dealt with or currently have the mumps. Most players who have succumbed to the mumps have missed about a week of action, so expect a similar timetable to be in store for Ryder.

Ryder tallied a pair of assists -- one on the power play -- in Thursday's 5-3 win over Toronto. A nice effort for Ryder after he watched Tuesday's game from the press box as a healthy scratch. The former 35-goal man nonetheless has not found twine since Nov. 6, and he has a modest five assists in 12 games since that two-goal performance against St. Louis.

Ryder scored two goals in the final four minutes of the third period Thursday against St. Louis, but he and the Devils were nonetheless stuck with a 4-3 loss. The Blues led 3-0 entering the late stages of the third period, only to see Ryder lead New Jersey in a spirited comeback attempt that fell just short thanks to a late insurance goal by the Blues' David Backes. Ryder's offense remains highly inconsistent, but he does own a fairly respectable nine points in 13 games.