Expect Montreal coach Michel Therien to give Michael Ryder and extended period to get adjusted to new linemates Lars Eller and Alex Galchenyuk. Therien believes the unit will blossom. "I've got a good feeling about putting those guys together ... Lars has got to make sure he's moving the puck quicker because a guy like Michael Ryder, he's a shooter, he needs the puck in those plays that he's going to be able to (have) success," Therrien said. "It takes time to build that chemistry, but I'm convinced that they will find it."

Michael Ryder is excited to be back with the Canadiens. He was traded from the Stars for Erik Cole on Tuesday night. "I didn't expect what happened to happen," Ryder said. "This is my first time being traded, so it's new to me, but I'm excited to be back. This is where I was drafted and started in the NHL." Ryder had two 30-goal seasons in four years with Montreal earlier in his career.

Michael Ryder didn't have a shot and finished his Montreal return with a minus-1 rating in Wednesday's win over Toronto. He logged 14:34 of ice time alongside Lars Eller and Alex Galchenyuk in the contest. "For a guy who didn't get any sleep last night, he played a great game," said coach Michel Therren.

Michael Ryder will be back in Montreal uniform Wednesday night against Toronto, wearing No. 73. Brendan Gallagher, who had the sweater number originally, will switch to No. 11. "I feel sorry for the three people who bought Gallagher 73 jerseys," joked the Canadiens rookie. Coach Michel Therrien wouldn't say who Ryder would be playing with, but it's probably not a stretch to believe that he'll end up somewhere in the team's top-six group.

Michael Ryder is eligible to become an unrestricted free agent this summer, but Montreal GM Marc Bergevin suggested that the team would like to re-sign him after the season is over. The Canadiens reacquired Ryder, along with a third-round pick, from Dallas on Tuesday night in exchange for Erik Cole. He may not be available for Wednesday night's game in Toronto, but was working hard to join the team after the move was announced.

The Dallas Stars traded Michael Ryder to the Montreal Canadiens for Erik Cole. Cole has struggled in Montreal this season, with just three goals and six points in 19 games after last season's 61-point campaign. Ryder, meanwhile, has been a solid weapon for the Stars with six goals and 14 points in 19 games. Ryder returns to the city where he played his first four NHL seasons, while Cole will play for his fourth team since 2009.

Michael Ryder registered three assists in the Stars' 5-4 loss to the Predators Monday night. Ryder is having another solid season with his new team. The Newfoundland native has shown flashes of brilliance throughout his career, however, the sniper has found it tough to find the net with consistency. Ryder is known for being a hot-and-cold player, so this might be a good time to snatch him up while he's on fire. He's worth a look in 14-team leagues.

Michael Ryder is on a four-game point streak. Ryder netted his fifth goal of the season on Thursday to give him 10 points in 17 games. He scored a career-high 35 goals in 2011-12, but his playing time has ticked down in 2013, likely due in part to the off-season additions of Jaromir Jagr and Derek Roy. Barring an injury, Ryder should end up with 25-30 points this season.

Michael Ryder returned to action on Thursday February 21.

Michael Ryder was sick Tuesday and did not practice. The Stars don't play again until Thursday, so we're expecting Ryder will be good to go by then. Still, we're sidelining him and considering him day-to-day just in case. Derek Roy also missed practice for maintenance reasons.