Could the Rangers Really Be Pursuing Richards?
For about a year now there have been rumors of the New York Rangers acquiring Dallas Stars star center Brad Richards. The rumors have been fueled by the Rangers lack of a top center-man for the longest time, Richards’ impending free agency, and Richards’ relationship with John Tortorella.
All of that sounds all nice and good, but the problem is with the money issue. Richards has a cap hit of $7.8 million dollars for the rest of this season and the Rangers only have $1.5 million left in cap space. The Rangers could shed the contracts of Matt Gilroy and Todd White, but that only clears $4 million dollars and then they still need to find another $2 million+ to have space for Richards. The Stars also have more than enough cap space to take back a big contract like Michal Rozsival or Chris Drury, but why would they? It makes no sense for them to take back a bad situation for a great player.
After working out the money situation would you be willing to trade away some of Michael Del Zotto, Derek Stepan, Evgeny Grachev, Ethan Werek, Ryan McDonagh, 1st round picks, etc. to acquire him? Richards is going to cost a steep price and there is no guarantee at all he will stay when he hits the open market this summer and there are going to be a lot of teams seeking his talents.
There is no debate that Richards is a terrific terrific center. Right now he leads the Stars in goals (11) and assists (19) and put up 98 points last year with 36 goals and 62 assists to go along with a ridiculous +33. He is also a great power play guy with 43 PP points last year and 13 this year. I don’t think anyone has to be reminded how much the Rangers could use a boost on the power play. He would be great for this team on so many levels, but with the price tag as a whole could the Rangers really be hot after him? The media seems to think so.
I was told Saturday the New York Rangers’ interest in Brad Richards (set to be an unrestricted free agent July 1) is serious enough that they’re willing to pony up assets before the Feb. 28 trade deadline to make sure he doesn’t go elsewhere should the Dallas Stars decide to put him on the market in order to get value before he leaves. This despite the fact the Rangers could get him July 1 without giving up any assets. – ESPN
This is going to be an extremely interesting situation to monitor. It is a touch call for Glenn Sather to make, but with a team who has a contending shot do you make the dive for this year? I think I would despite the fact that the Rangers have a young team with a bright future.