Ryder for Tanguay
July 18th, 2008 by wrightThe departure of ufa Michael Ryder and the addition of Alex Tanguay is a reflection in the growth and improvement of the Montreal Canadiens. In essence, Ryder’s skill set was no longer sufficent to keep up with development of the Canadiens. Tanguay’s abilities are represenative of an elite level skill player. Ironically, back in January, trade rumours were rampant that the Habs would trade Ryder to Calgary for Tanguay. The deal did not materialize, in part because a one for one trade would have been a mismatch, Ryder is simply no where near the player that Tanguay is. Interestingly, with the constant speculation concerning the possibility of Sundin signing with the Habs, the elimination of Ryder and the acquisition of Tanguay has largely gone unnoticed, despite the significant impact the change in personnel will have on the Canadiens.
Two seasons ago, Ryder scored 17 of his 30 goals on the Habs powerplay. Many of the goals came off the rebound from the point shot of Souray. His value on the powerplay, was that he was the go to guy on the set play where Koivu positioned down low, would fake driving to the net, and then would pass off to Ryder. Last year, when Markov/Kovalev/A.Kostitsyn started reading off one another, Ryder’s powerplay time became greatly diminished. His value as a finisher (the one aspect of his game which was above average) greatly declined.
Once Sergi Kostitsyn was called up, Ryder was done as a top 6 forward. Kots brought better play making skills, superior on ice vision, and skating and passing skills that surpassed Ryder’s abilities. Ryder is a goal scorer, all other aspects of his game are below average. His one dimensional game became easily anticipated by the opposition last season. His patented outside inside deke at the opposition blueline, and the move off the half boards followed by the snap shot, were taken away. Ryder could not make adjustments to the oppositions defending of him. His inability to make adjustments was not a coaching issue, it was an ability issue. Last season, the Habs became more of a puck possession team, which emphasized speed and skill. Ryder simply could not keep up. On a lower skilled team, Ryder would still receive quality powerplay minutes, and thus help in his scoring chances. The Habs as a team elevated their play last season, and Ryder with his limited abilities could not keep up, and as a result saw his ice time diminish, as did his effectiveness for the team.
In effect, Tanguay is Ryder’s replacement, as in all probability he will replace Ryder on the Koivu line come next season. The addition of Tanguay is a substantial upgrade for the Habs. Tanguay possesses blinding speed, tremendous on ice vision,great play making skills, and unparalleled one on one open ice moves. Since the 2005 season, Tanguay rates sixth overall in the league in terms of points per 60 minutes of ice time. The criticism of Tanguay is that he is a soft player, unwilling to endure any degree of physical play. That assessment is not totally accurate, as Tanguay is a career plus 144. A player does not put up those type of numbers if he is easy to play against. Tanguay’s presence should have a major impact on the Habs 5 on 5 even strength play in the coming season. Last season, even though it was perceived as an off season for Tanguay, he still was one of the most effective Flames playing at even strength, consisitently playing against the oppositions best players.
Tanguay for Ryde represents a major upgrade in the Habs personnel. Tanguay has become the forgotten off season acquisition by Gainey, due to the medias attention on the potential Sundin signing. Whether Sundin eventually signs/ or does not sign with the Habs, Canadien’s fans are in for a treat when Tanguay’ skills are on display. His speed, puck handling will mesh perfectly with the Canadiens style of play. He will improve an already potent offense, and will also upgrade the teams defensive game.
Tanguay replacing Ryder represents the continued evolution and improvement of the Habs. At present, the move may be lost in the shuffle, but by October it will represent another important piece to the Canadiens move to cup contender status.
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