There seems to be a lot of talk about Brad Richards becoming a member of the Toronto Maple Leafs.
While I would agree that Richards would be a fine addition to the Blue and White, I think Maple Leaf fans are kidding themselves if they really expect Richards to be traded to Toronto.
Now, let’s be clear here, trading for Richards (who will be 31 years old in May) and signing Richards as an unrestricted free agent are two very different things. Trading for Richards is unrealistic, but signing him to a free-agent contract is a whole other story.
Think about it. Let’s say that Dallas Stars general manager Joe Nieuwendyk wanted to trade Richards—how many NHL teams do you think would be interested?
In a rental player situation, probably all 16 playoff teams would have interest in Richards with few willing/able to pay the steep price Dallas will ask.
As for teams that would be looking to acquire Richards with the visions of signing him to a long-term contract over the summer, you are probably looking at about six teams that could provide the Stars with enough of a return to snatch Richards up and have the cap room with which to sign Ri ...
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Article written by Mark Ritter
Brad Richards: Putting To Rest The Toronto Trade Rumors
November 23rd, 2010 by Mark Ritter Leave a reply »
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