More NHL offseason: Rumors | Top 50 Free Agents | Buyout Tracker | Trades | Transactions
The New Jersey Devils made another moderate splash in free agency by signing forward Michael Ryder to a two-year deal worth $7 million, according to Rich Chere of the Star-Ledger.
Ryder split last season with the Dallas Stars and Montreal Canadiens. He posted 35 points in 46 games, including 16 goals. He’s been a productive player throughout his career and with a $3.5 million annual cap hit, he’s a fairly affordable source of offense.
Ryder has 431 points in 677 career games.
After signing Ryane Clowe and Rostislav Olesz earlier Friday and re-upping Patrick Elias Thursday, Devils general manager Lou Lamoriello has been very active in this free-agent period.
While Clowe's contract is certainly one that comes with a fair amount of risk, Lamoriello was able to lock up Ryder at the same value of his last contract. This despite Ryder being just one year removed from a 35-goal season with the Stars.
At 33, Ryder can still produce and should be a nice addition for the Devils.
Lamoriello's attention will now turn to re-signing restricted free agent Adam Henrique, who is due for a nice raise.
