Michael Ryder has no goals and one assist in his last nine games. The New Jersey Devils haven't exactly been getting their money's worth after inking him to a two-year/$7 million deal. He has five goals and eight points in 25 games this season. "You know I want to help out offensively," said Ryder. "We have our struggles here sometimes to score some goals, and they count on me to help that. So, when we're having a hard time finding the back of the net it's definitely frustrating." He should break out of this slump sooner or later, but it now seems doubtful that he'll enjoy another 60-plus point campaign.

Michael Ryder scored his fifth goal of the season in the Devils' 2-1 shootout loss to Toronto Friday night. Ryder now has points in two straight as he tries to get back on track after a slow start to the year. Through 16 games, the veteran has seven points.

Michael Ryder scored his fourth goal of the season, New Jersey's only tally, in a 4-1 loss to Columbus Tuesday night. Ryder scored his second goal in as many games. On a struggling Devils offence, Ryder leads the team in goals and is tied for fourth in points.

Devils general manager Lou Lamoriello is extremely pleased with what his team added on Day 1 of free agency. The Devils added "top six forward, a right wing scorer" in Michael Ryder, some toughness with Ryane Clowe and bottom-line depth in Rostislav Olesz. "I think we [filled] a lot of them," Lamoriello said. "We'll just now wait and see if we can get better in some way, but we feel pretty good about this lineup right now." Lamoriello sounds as if he's done with free-agent signings, unless a deal is made. "It's all moving parts," he said. "Right now, this was a good day for the Devils."

Michael Ryder has signed a two-year/$7 million contract with the New Jersey Devils. Ryder had 16 goals and 35 points in 46 games last season. This signing, along with the addition of Ryane Clowe, will effectively replace the offense lost by the departure of David Clarkson. He's reached or surpassed the 30-goal mark three times in his career and he's definitely a candidate to do so again in New Jersey.

According to his agent, Thane Campbell, Michael Ryder will not get a contract offer from the Montreal Canadiens and he will be permitted to test unrestricted free agency. Campbell told the Journal de Montreal that Ryder is not part of Montreal GM Marc Bergevin's future plans. Ryder generated 10 goals and 21 points in 27 games with the Canadiens after he was acquired in a trade with Dallas that sent Erik Cole to the Stars. He also had one goal and one assist in five playoff contests.

Michael Ryder is eligible to become an unrestricted free agent this summer. Bottom-six forwards Colby Armstrong and Jeff Halpern can also become UFAs if the Canadiens don't offer them extensions. Ryder is the most valuable from an offensive point of view and he played much more regularly than his potential free agent teammates, so Montreal may want to get him back in the fold. He registered 10 goals and 11 assists in 27 games with the Canadiens after being acquired from Dallas and he had two points in five contests during the team's first-round playoff exit.

Michael Ryder will return Thursday night after missing one game with an upper-body injury. Ryder has tallied 10 goals and 10 assists in 22 games with the Canadiens since being acquired from Dallas. Get him back in your lineup if you normally would.

Michael Ryder won't play Wednesday because of an upper-body injury. He didn't practice Tuesday but it was thought that he would be able to suit up against Pittsburgh. Ryder is considered day-to-day, so the Canadiens might be erring on the side of caution with him. He logged just 12:32 of ice time during Monday's loss to Philadelphia, but it's unclear when an injury may have occurred.

Michael Ryder wants to stay in Montreal but also wants a multi-year deal. Ryder, an unrestricted free agent as of July 1st, has been a bargain at $3.5 million with 34 points in 39 games. However, the winger will certianly want a long-term contract, and the Habs may not be able to afford him. This will be interesting to watch this off-season.