RealGM

http://www.tsn.ca/nhl/story/?id=367672

With the Dallas Stars' ownership situation not likely to be settled until later this summer, the team will not be making a contract offer to Brad Richards.

Richards, who becomes an unrestricted free agent on July 1, will be playing elsewhere next season.

The Stars would be interested in trading exclusive negotiating rights with Richards before July 1, but such a move would require Richards to waive his no movement clause and there are no guarantees of that happening.

Looks like the Stars are going to try and get whatever they can for Richards. Its going to be interesting to see if Richards to going to wave that no movement clause or just wait until free agency opens up.

I have a feeling the Leafs are going to make an offer for his rights.

Who do you guys think will go after him?

His agent refused to waive the no trade clause because he doesnt want to create an obligation. NY Rangers are the frontrunners. They have the cash and the Tortorella connection. Sleeper team could be the Red Wings. They have some cash and they could make a splash. Leafs will go hard but not going above 5 years like Burke says will hurt.

darth_federer wrote:His agent refused to waive the no trade clause because he doesnt want to create an obligation. NY Rangers are the frontrunners. They have the cash and the Tortorella connection. Sleeper team could be the Red Wings. They have some cash and they could make a splash. Leafs will go hard but not going above 5 years like Burke says will hurt.

That's probably a good idea.

The Wings look like they could be a very good option for him. They need another skilled forward.

I would love for the Wings to go after him but he's going to want too much money. Some where in the low 6 million to low 7 million range and I don't think we are willing to spend that much for a 2nd line centre.

I see a Eastern Conference team as the lead for him. I just hope he doesn't sign with the Leafs

I think the Wings will look to shore up their blue line first with Rafalski retiring and Lyndstrom likely to retire.

I really don't think Detroit will make a move for Richards. Only if Lidstrom retires, and then still doubtful. We need a power-forward or sniper if anything, not so much a skill/playmaker guy.

I think Detroit tries to get him to buy into taking a discount for a shot at a Cup, but they have big needs on the blueline to spend their money on.

Favourites for Richards are the Rangers obviously, with Toronto in the mix.

Interesting sleepers with the available cap room this offseason: Montreal, Anaheim, Tampa Bay.

I know their ownership situation is a little unsettled, and they have a lot of RFAs, but I personally would love to see Richards' leadership in a place like St. Louis (only $37M in committed salary).

The Leafs desperately need a number 1 center but Burke doesnt like giving out anything more than 5 years. I dont think he does 5 years 35 million. He might do 3 and 28 or something like that. Hes also looking at trades too. Philly has cap issues and need to get rid of somebody. So he might pick up someone like Laich and go after Patrick Sharp next year.

OldNo7 wrote:I think Detroit tries to get him to buy into taking a discount for a shot at a Cup, but they have big needs on the blueline to spend their money on.

Favourites for Richards are the Rangers obviously, with Toronto in the mix.

Interesting sleepers with the available cap room this offseason: Montreal, Anaheim, Tampa Bay.

I know their ownership situation is a little unsettled, and they have a lot of RFAs, but I personally would love to see Richards' leadership in a place like St. Louis (only $37M in committed salary).

He'd be a great fit in St. Louis. But I doubt he'd want to go there and I doubt the Blues would be interested.

darth_federer wrote:The Leafs desperately need a number 1 center but Burke doesnt like giving out anything more than 5 years. I dont think he does 5 years 35 million. He might do 3 and 28 or something like that. Hes also looking at trades too. Philly has cap issues and need to get rid of somebody. So he might pick up someone like Laich and go after Patrick Sharp next year.

Seems like he's looking for a lot of cash. I really don't think he's worth 7 million a season and any team that gives him that kind of money is just shooting themselves in the foot.

The Maple Leafs would so give Richards five years. Because they're the Maple Leafs.