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Michael Ryder said he expects the Devils to turn a lot of heads next season.
(Eric Bolte/USA Today)
The Devils turned to Newfoundland in Canada yesterday in their effort to begin improving a team that missed the 2013 playoffs.
So after Michael Ryder signed to a two-year, $7 million contract and Ryane Clowe agreed to a five-year, $24.25 million deal with the Devils, they got together in their home province. Ryder is from Bonavista and Clowe from Fermeuse.
"We got together and chit-chatted about how it will be pretty neat to play together," Ryder said today. "It's not a big place here so we all pretty much know each other."
Ryder said he spoke to another Newfoundland native, Darren Langdon, about playing for the Devils. Langdon played 14 games for the Devils in 2005-06.
"I think it's a great fit for me. I talked to Lou (Lamoriello) a couple of times and it seemed like he really wanted me there," Ryder said of the Devils. "It's a good situation. They're going to give me an opportunity. It's going to be great. I think we're going to have a good team and we're going to have a lot of success.
"I think Lou wants to win. They had a tough year last year, but the year before they went to the Finals. I think he just wanted to put a few more pieces of the puzzle together. Looking at the roster I think we're going to have a good team and I think we're going to turn a lot of heads."
Ryder, 33, said he spoke to a couple of NHL clubs early but it came down to the Devils and Boston Bruins. He was a member of the Bruins team that won the Stanley Cup in 2011.
“I just felt New Jersey was the best place for me,” he said.
No serious thoughts of returning to Boston?
"A little bit, but I was leaning more towards New Jersey than Boston," Ryder explained. "I had a good year there because we won the Cup, but they didn't re-sign me. I kind of wanted to move on."
As for moving on, the Devils have lost two top forwards in the last two summers via free agency. Zach Parise signed with the Minnesota Wild last year and David Clarkson signed with the Toronto Maple Leafs yesterday.
The perception is the Devils were never able to replace Parise, but they feel they replaced Clarkson with Ryder and Clowe.
"Other than (Clowe) I don't know too many guys too well," Ryder said with a laugh.
"I don't think too much about it. Zach was a big part of the Devils for a long time. When he moved on he was a tough player to replace," Ryder said. "I think Lou is doing a good job.
"For me it's just playing the way I can. If I do that and produce I think I'll help the team win."
Ryder said right wing is his best position.
"I prefer right wing but I played left wing a few times last year in Montreal and in Dallas," he said. "I have no idea who I'll play with. They just said I'd be a top forward and get some power play time."
Asked about Clowe, Ryder said they skate in summer together twice a week.
"I haven't played against him too much. He's a big power forward with offensive skills," Ryder said. "He did well in San Jose. Last year was a tough year for him, being traded and all that. I think he's looking forward to getting a fresh start."
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