[Trade] Ryder to MTL for Cole

[cral12]

GM Bergevin is nailing it this season. First, Grand Theft Subban, for what he resigned PK for. Second, now it's simply Grand Theft Ryder.

[Roof-Daddy]

I hope I'm wrong, but I have a feeling this trader is going to work out better for Dallas than most seem to be thinking.

[SuperMatt18]

Yeah this isn't the steal all are making it out to be. Good trade for both sides.

Cole can be a good player, provides some size and physicality, and has some chemistry with Whitney from their time in Carolina.

Dallas likely knew they couldn't resign Ryder at seasons end, have a hard time attracting FAs, so decided to bring in a serviceable player that has some years left on his contract.

Montreal wanted cap flexibility so they brought in a UFA in Ryder.

The only weird aspect was the 3rd rounder as the trade was pretty even prior to that addition.

Sadly for the Flames another Western team brought in a big forward...something the Flames struggle to contain.

[kyuss275]

Originally Posted by Roof-Daddy

I hope I'm wrong, but I have a feeling this trader is going to work out better for Dallas than most seem to be thinking.

It might. It's going to come down to what Montreal spends $4.5 million cap savings on.

I personally do not like Cole and do not think he can play like he did last year for the next 2 1/2 years.

[Flashpoint]

Originally Posted by Gizmo

My thoughts exactly.. Ryder is 2 years younger and is having a way better season... Don't understand this move from Dallas's angle. They say that they want more size, so they trade one of their top scorers for Cole?

It'll be interesting to see the way he's accepted by Montreal's crowd.. They HATED him when he decided to sign in Boston.

Local radio here in Dallas reported both players were unhappy, and reported that Cole had requested a trade (I have no idea if that's actually the case). So it's roughly comparable disgruntled players swapping teams.

The bigger issue for Dallas is that Ryder's contract was up after this season, and Cole is signed for 2 more. They don't want to risk losing a scorer, so they go with the guy that is locked down. MTL was probably looking for something for the future (if Ryder leaves in a few months) hence the draft pick.

Initially you sort of shake your head at Nieuwendyk's moves. But at the end of the day they are in 6th place in the conference, 4th in GF, all while playing at the cap floor, with their #1 goalie injured.

People are starting to wonder why with new ownership the team still doesn't spend money - I would have thought they keep Souray for example - but the flipside is a lot of teams who do spend money and have nothing to show for it.

So maybe Joe's actually doing ok.

[OzSome]

I knew Eric Cole wouldn't last in Montreal anyways because of what he's been saying in the media during the lockout and other times. The guy's head is way too big and he thinks he is a superior player. Strange that Ryder goes back to Montreal though but Therrien likes him last time he coached Montreal.

[Psytic]

On HF they said he wanted out because his family was having a hard time assimilating into French Canada, specifically his kids having to go to a French school.