Michael Ryder
First off I just have to say that this guy has been dynamite! What a rookie season this guy is having and he seems to get better every game. He is now playing the top line with Koivu and Zednik. He is 3rd in rookie scoring only 3 points behind Jason King of Vancouver. He is second in shots on goal and has a respectable +3 rating.
This guy is a true success story....he was a walk on in junior, so he had to prove himself there. He started in the ECHL two years ago and finished the season with Hamilton. Last year he played all year in Hamilton compiling 34 goals and 33 assists. And this year he made the NHL club from training camp.
This guy is probably not the most skilled guy out there but he is hard working Canadian kid. He is only 23 and is your classic overachiever, something we have not had in a while.
Now that Ryder is playing with the first line his numbers are sure to go up and I think he will have a good chance at winning the rookie scoring race and maybe even the calder! Great success story for a guy from the Rock!
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