GM: Richards nixed 'Hawks' deal

[Rodanlee]

http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2008/h ... index.html

That son of a biatch.....

CHICAGO (AP) -- The Chicago Blackhawks tried to secure an immediate upgrade to their offense before Tuesday's trade deadline but Tampa Bay Lightning center Brad Richards stymied the deal by exercising a no-trade clause in his contract, officials said.

Blackhawks General Manager Dale Tallon said "the team gave it our best shot and put a substantial offer on the table" to acquire Richards. Instead, Tampa Bay, which started Tuesday in last place in the NHL's Eastern Conference, sent Richards to the Dallas Stars as the centerpiece of a multiplayer deal.

[WEFFPIM]

Wow. This must have been the first deal on the table for the Hawks since their other two trades focus more on the future. Must have been a "Get Richards and we're gunning for the playoffs, don't get him and we'll look to next season" deal.

How much would the Hawks have given up to not only get him, but the other piece of the Lightning-Stars deal in Holmqvist? The Blackhawks desperately need a goalie, he would have for sure been in the deal, but how much would the Hawks have sent south? Until that comes out (if it ever does), then I'll reserve my judgment on Chicago not getting him.

[SportsWorld]

Damn, everytime I play NHL 08 the announcer says:
"I have never heard of a player who does not want to play for the Blackhawks because of all the history of that team"
Might want to edit that for next year's game EA.