Bruins Agree to 3-Year Deal with Michael Ryder
TSN reports that the Bruins have agreed to terms on a 3-year deal with 28-year old right winger Michael Ryder worth a reported $4 million per season. Ryder had a down year last season (70 games, 14 goals, 17 assists) and was even benched during the playoffs (typically a red flag for GMs regarding potential free agent signees), but his track record suggests that he's capable of being a difference maker on the first or second line for the Bruins. Prior to last season, Ryder's season stat lines were as follows:
2003-04: 81 games, 25 goals, 38 assists
2005-06: 81 games, 30 goals, 25 assists
2006-07: 82 games, 30 goals, 28 assists
News of the signing has had a mixed reception over on the Boston.com message boards, but there's little doubt that this is a step in the right direction for the B's. It's certainly not as big a move as acquiring the year's biggest free agent in Marian Hossa, but it's a nice addition and the B's still have money to play with (and they could have even more if they eventually decide to buy out Glen Murray and depending on what happens with Dennis Wideman's arbitration case). If Ryder is matched up with Marc Savard and Patrice Bergeron on the top line, a return to 30-goal form is definitely a possibility. I wouldn't say I'm overly excited about the signing, but you might be able to say I'm cautiously optimistic.
UPDATE (1:34 PM): Marian Hossa has agreed to a 1-year, $7.4 million deal with the Detroit Red Wings. Really, Peter Chiarelli? We couldn't do any better than 1 year and $7.4 million? I'm sure the money was a key consideration for Hossa, but it seems his desire to win next year was even greater as he probably could have gotten a deal worth $7.4 million (and likely much, much more) annually for the next 8-10 years. The B's were reportedly willing to offer him a 12-year deal worth $100 million, which would have had him earning $8.33 million up to his age 41 season, prior to their signing of Ryder. I guess you can strike my previous optimism as the Red Wings have to be the early favorite to repeat next season. Although, with all the money coming off the books after next season, the B's should be able to put together a solid offer for Hossa and just about any other FAs they may have their eyes on.
2003-04: 81 games, 25 goals, 38 assists
2005-06: 81 games, 30 goals, 25 assists
2006-07: 82 games, 30 goals, 28 assists
News of the signing has had a mixed reception over on the Boston.com message boards, but there's little doubt that this is a step in the right direction for the B's. It's certainly not as big a move as acquiring the year's biggest free agent in Marian Hossa, but it's a nice addition and the B's still have money to play with (and they could have even more if they eventually decide to buy out Glen Murray and depending on what happens with Dennis Wideman's arbitration case). If Ryder is matched up with Marc Savard and Patrice Bergeron on the top line, a return to 30-goal form is definitely a possibility. I wouldn't say I'm overly excited about the signing, but you might be able to say I'm cautiously optimistic.
UPDATE (1:34 PM): Marian Hossa has agreed to a 1-year, $7.4 million deal with the Detroit Red Wings. Really, Peter Chiarelli? We couldn't do any better than 1 year and $7.4 million? I'm sure the money was a key consideration for Hossa, but it seems his desire to win next year was even greater as he probably could have gotten a deal worth $7.4 million (and likely much, much more) annually for the next 8-10 years. The B's were reportedly willing to offer him a 12-year deal worth $100 million, which would have had him earning $8.33 million up to his age 41 season, prior to their signing of Ryder. I guess you can strike my previous optimism as the Red Wings have to be the early favorite to repeat next season. Although, with all the money coming off the books after next season, the B's should be able to put together a solid offer for Hossa and just about any other FAs they may have their eyes on.
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