Ryder frustrated about not playing, wanted trade out of New Jersey
Once upon a time Michael Ryder was a highly-sought after trade target, who would have netted a nice return from any team at the trade deadline. That wasn't the case on Monday as the forward wasn't moved.
Prior to the deadline Ryder requested a trade from New Jersey Devils general manager Lou Lamoriello, reports Rich Chere of NJ.com.
"Oh yeah. He knew that. It's hard to move a guy and get something for him when I've only played two games since the All-Star break. Other teams are probably wondering what's going on," Ryder said. "If they wanted to get something for me, it's tough."
The former three-time 30-goal scorer has been a regular healthy scratch for the Devils, after signing a 2-year, $7 million contract with New Jersey in 2013.
"You don't know what is going to happen at the trade deadline and what teams are looking and what people are trying to do," said Ryder.
"If I got moved, I got moved. I was hoping that something maybe would happen just so I would get an opportunity. I know I can still play and help a team and still score goals. It's frustrating when you don't get to play and show that. It's been frustrating overall."
Ryder has 6 goals and 12 assists in 44 games.