NHL Free Agency 2013 : Garth Snow’s Shopping List Part I

Mandatory Credit: Kevin Hoffman-USA TODAY Sports

Michael Ryder, Right Wing

2013 Club : Montreal Canadiens

2013 Salary : USD 3,500,000

Height: 6’0″

Weight : 198 lbs

Age : 33

Stats: 46 GP, 16-19-35, +2, 21:17 PROD, 16:25 TOI

Ryder, while five years older than Horton, might actually be a better and cheaper fit than the Bruins hulking winger.

Coming in at $3.5mm last season while splitting time with the Dallas Stars and Montreal Canadiens, Ryder has already been informed he will not be back in the blue and red, making him a very attractive unrestricted free agent and potential target for Garth Snow to pair with Tavares and long-time linemate Matt Moulson.

In his 9 year NHL career, Ryder has played an amazing 96% of his games, missing only 27 over that entire time frame. Offensively, he brings talent to the table, notably a quick, hard and accurate shot that has produced seasons of 35, 30 twice, 27 and 25 goals. All while playing only 14 to 16 minutes per game. Imagine what he could produce on a line with Tavares and Moulson getting upwards of 18-20 minutes. The possibilities could run endless in your mind.

Projected armchair GM offer : 3 years, $13.5mm