Michael Ryder (Born March 31, 1980, Bonavista, Newfoundland) is a hockey player who plays for the Montreal Canadiens of the National Hockey League . He was drafted by the Canadiens in the 1998 NHL Entry Draft, 8th round, 216th overall. He stands 6'1" in height. In the 2003-04 season, he played in the NHL YoungStars game. He was named the NHL Rookie of the Month for February 2004. He eventually finished the season leading all rookies in scoring points, goals and assists, thus establishing himself as the best rookie in a forward position for the 03-04 season. However, he did not win the Calder trophy in 03-04 as that honor was granted to goaltender Andrew Raycroft of the Boston Bruins.
On September 12 2005, Ryder agreed to a one year contract worth $1 million with the Montreal Canadiens. He has passed the 20 goal mark for the second consecutive time in his career during the 2005-06 NHL season.
