Evening Hits: No buyout for Richards … 15 teams interested in Lecavalier
  • Chris Johnston: The Rangers won’t use a compliance buyout on Brad Richards this summer. It is possible that they use it next year.
  • Dan Rosen: The risk of the Rangers not buying Richards out: “1) Richards may not be able to rebound; 2) He gets hurt toward end of next season and thus isn’t eligible for buyout.”
  • Katie Strang: The Rangers think that Richards will be extremely motivated next year. Richards could thrive under Alain Vigneault and if not, they can buy him out next summer if he doesn’t get hurt. If he’s not bought out next summer, they risk the huge recapture penalty if he retires early.
  • Dave Lozo: If Richards retired in 2017, it would cost the Rangers a $5.666 million cap hit for the next three years.
  • Chris Johnston: Vincent Lecavalier is still on the Lightning’s reserve list. Until he’s officially bought out, teams are not allowed to speak with him.
  • Pierre LeBrun: The Sharks are one of a long list of teams that have inquired about Lecavalier.
  • Renaud Lavoie: Close to 15 teams have interest in Vincent Lecavalier.