| From MOP Squad Sports Montreal Canadiens MONTREAL (AP) -- The Montreal Canadiens avoided salary arbitration with forward Michael Ryder by giving him a big raise Sunday, signing their top goalscorer to a one-year deal worth $2.2 million. The 26-year-old Ryder had a team-high 30 goals last season while earning $1 million. He also had 25 assists in 81 games. Ryder and the Canadiens had been scheduled for a Tuesday arbitration session. |