Posts Tagged Brad Richards
State of the New York Rangers: NHL Trade Deadline Edition
Posted by Mark Easson in NHL News, NHL Rumors on January 28th, 2012
Here is the 3rd installment of our expanded NHL Trade Deadline coverage. We’ll be posting team outlooks leading up to trade deadline over the next couple weeks from a variety of contributing writers.
Written by Patrick Kearns of TheFourthPeriod.com and can be found on twitter at @PatrickKearns
In an era of armchair video game General Managers, it’s hard not to pick through every trade rumor with a fine-toothed comb to improve your team’s “overall” rating by lobbying for any player you believe would be an upgrade. This of course does not take chemistry into consideration, and with the New York Rangers building towards contention, it may be best to leave the roster alone. At the all-star break the team sits atop the Eastern Conference in points, and has the highest winning percentage in the NHL.
When the New York Rangers’ CEO James Dolan appeared at the podium before reporters after a win against the Nashville Predators a short time ago, he explained that he and General Manager Glen Sather’s plan was finally coming to fruition.
“In 2004, things weren’t going so well,” Dolan explained hitting the nail on the obvious head. “We decided to re-do the strategy… It’s all about the system that [Glen Sather] built. It’s about the farm system, and the scouting system and development. It’s about going with the kids, and sticking with that philosophy.”
Needless to say, when the man signing the paychecks starts buying into the team philosophy, it seems like an awful idea to betray what has gotten the team this far.
Nugent-Hopkins stays with Oilers … Gaborik-Richards broken up … Reimer ready for Sunday … Markov not skating … Starting goalies
Posted by Mark Easson in NHL Injuries, NHL News, NHL Rumors, NHL Videos on October 28th, 2011
- Mark Spector via twitter: Octagon agency announces that Ryan Nugent-Hopkins will remain with the Oilers.
- Andrew Gross via twitter: Marian Gaborik and Brad Richards were broken up at practice. Wolski-Christensen-Gaborik, Dubinsky-Richards-Callahan.
- Terry Koshan via twitter: Maple Leafs coach Ron Wilson expects James Reimer to be ready on Sunday. Phil Kessel is expected to play tomorrow night. David Alter via twitter: Wilson said that Kessel is a little banged up from last night.
- Brian Wilde via twitter: Jacques Martin said that defenseman Andrei Markov hasn’t skated in 3 weeks. Renaud Lavoie via twitter: Markov will skate for a few days before joining teammates.
- James Murphy via twitter: If the Bruins are looking for a forward, Murphy says to keep an eye on Johnny Boychuk as the odd man out.
- Bob McKenzie via twitter: The Avalanche put Cedrick Desjardins on waivers. The Jets put Brett MacLean on waivers. Jets Aaron Gagnon clears waivers.
- Jesse Spector via twitter: The Ducks have sent Patrick Maroon and J.F. Jacques back to Syracuse of the AHL.
- Chris Kuc via twitter: Corey Crawford will be in net for the Blackhawks. Ray Emery could get the start on Saturday against the Blue Jackets.
- Dan Tencer via twitter: Devan Dubnyk will start in net for the Oilers against the Avalanche.
- Jeremy Rutherford via twitter: Brian Elliott will make his 4th straight start for the Blues tonight.
- Adrian Dater via twitter: Semyon Varlamov will start in net for the Avalanche tonight.
- Kent Youngblood via twitter: Josh Harding will start in net for the Wild on Saturday. Zanon and Stoner are out.
- Pierre LeBrun and Scott Burnside debate the Kyle Turris – Phoenix Coyotes issue
Modano retires … Doughty rumors false … Leafs looking at Turris … Richards to play tomorrow … Lombardi and Lamoriello audio
Posted by Mark Easson in NHL Audio, NHL Free Agents, NHL Injuries, NHL News, NHL Rumors on September 22nd, 2011
- Mike Modano on facebook: Modano retires from the NHL. “After a long summer of thinking about my future, I’ve come to the decision that it’s time to retire as a player from the NHL. There’s way too many people to thank here at this time and too much to say, so I have a press conference scheduled for early Friday afternoon. Check back Friday late afternoon for more. What a great ride it’s been!”
- Helene Elliott via twitter: Rumors that Drew Doughty was in Kings GM Dean Lombardi’s office are false. Lombardi was in Phoenix on Tuesday with the split-squad team and wasn’t in the office on Wednesday.
- Damien Cox of the Toronto Star: Cox says that the Maple Leafs may be interested in Coyotes RFA Kyle Turris, especially if Matthew Lombardi doesn’t continue to make progress. There have been some preliminary discussions on the possibility of adding Turris between the teams. Turris’ agent may be the driving force in any discussions that have taken place. Cox thinks it would probably cost Tyler Bozak to get Turris. Bozak carries a $1.5 million cap hit, Turris’ is asking for $3-4 million. According to Coyotes GM Don Maloney, “(His) position is just so illogical from our standpoint.”
- Ted Kulfan of the Detroit News: Red Wings defenseman Niklas Kronwall will be a UFA at seasons end. Kronwall would like to stay in Detroit. GM Ken Holland and Kronwall’s agent have had brief talks on an extension.
- Sam Carchidi via twitter: Sean Couturier’s entry level deal carries a $1.375 million cap hit, including a $450,000 bonus each year.
- Chris Kuc via twitter: Blackhawks coach Joel Quenneville said that Patrick Kane and Marian Hossa will likely play in the final 3 preseason games but not before.
- Jim Matheson of the Edmonton Journal: Oilers Ben Eager suffered a concussion and some whiplash after colliding with teammate Kirill Tulupov on Sunday. The Oilers sent Tyler Bunz, David Musil, Jeremie Blain and Brandon Davidson back to junior.
- Steve Zipay via twitter: Brad Richards, who’s been bothered by a bad groin, will probably skate today and play tomorrow.
- Aaron Portzline via twitter: Blue Jackets goalie Mark Dekanich could be out 4 weeks with a high ankle sprain. Portzline notes that it may be a mild injury, high ankle sprains can take months to heal.
- Craig Custance via twitter: UFA goalie Marty Turco says “I’ll be ready if something happens.” Turco is training with the OHL’s Sault Ste. Marie.
- Fan 590 Audio: Kings GM Dean Lombardi talks with Darren Millard and Doug MacLean about Drew Doughty.
- Fan 590 Audio: Devils GM Lou Lamoriello talks with Bob McCown and Damien Cox about pre-season hockey and possible rule changes.
Umberger signs 5 year extension … Richards has groin issue … Couturier signs entry level … Isles captain options … An NHL tribute video
Posted by Mark Easson in NHL News, NHL Videos on September 21st, 2011
- Aaron Portzline via twitter: The Columbus Blue Jackets have signed RJ Umberger to a 5 year, $23 million contract extension. Umberger will get $5 million next year, with $4.5 million for the remaining 4 years. A $4.6 million cap hit. The first 2 years of the deal contain a no-trade clause, then a modified no-trade for the final 3 years. (Umberger stats at the bottom of the entry.)
- Katie Strang of ESPN: Rangers center Brad Richards may have a ‘minor’ groin injury, missing part of yesterday’s practice and is not skating today with his group.
- Philadlephia Flyers via twitter: The Flyers have signed 2011 8th overall pick, Sean Couturier, to an entry level contract.
- Dan Rosen via twitter: Rosen thinks that John Tavares has to be the next captain of the Islanders. BD Gallof doesn’t think that Tavares is the type to be a captain, that Mark Streit makes the most sense, followed by Kyle Okposo.
Sunday notes involving Crosby, Doughty, Whitney, Iginla, Parise, Markov, and Poti
Posted by Mark Easson in NHL Free Agents, NHL Injuries, NHL News, NHL Rumors on September 18th, 2011
- Dave Molinari of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette: Sidney Crosby practiced for an hour yesterday and “worked as hard as I possibly could out there.” He didn’t have any symptoms immediately after practice, and plans on practicing again today.
- Helene Elliott of the LA Times: Elliott notes that Drew Doughty would have gained more by taking part in camp and “sometime soon they must recognize that it’s more important for Doughty to score points on the ice than make points at the bargaining table.” The $6.8 million cap hit on the Kings offer would make Doughty the 4th highest paid defenseman, and ahead of Nicklas Lidstrom.
- Helene St. James of the Detroit Free Press: Some defensive pairing for the Red Wings: Nicklas Lidstrom with Ian White and Niklas Kronwall with Brad Stuart. Jonathan Ericsson is starting out with Jakub Kindl, and Brendan Smith with Mike Commodore.
- Joanne Ireland of the Edmonton Journal: Oilers defenseman Ryan Whitney has been cleared to practice, but is still dealing with some pain from the surgery he had on his right ankle. He skated for half of his session yesterday, and his shortened work days will continue. “I could have stayed out there today, but for the first seven days I’m sure it’ll just be 30-40 minutes, then hopefully after that, I’ll be ready to go.”
- Steve MacFarlane of the Calgary Flames: Flames winger Jarome Iginla only lasted 20 minutes at yesterday’s morning camp session before he had to leave with back spasms. “I thought it was better to be safe,” said Iginla. “Take care of it, and hopefully, it’ll settle down and be good tomorrow.”
- Mark Everson of the NY Post: Zach Parise is the logical choice for the Devils next captain, but the one issue is that he’s only on a 1 year deal.
- Steve Zipay via twitter: Wojtek Wolski is on a line with Marian Gaborik and Brad Richards at today’s scrimmage.
- Genadi Boguslavski via twitter: Andrei Markov to SovSport: “The doctor told me that probably will take more time to recover. It’s a re-injury of the same knee”
- Tarik El-Bashir of the Washington Post: Capitals defenseman Tom Poti failed his physical on Friday and will be placed on LTIR. John Erskine had shoulder surgery in May won’t be taking contact yet.
Sabres looking to make trades, could have trouble in new CBA … Possible lines for Rangers … Who plays with E. Staal? Markov has knee drained
Posted by Mark Easson in NHL News, NHL Rumors on September 16th, 2011
- John Vogl of the Buffalo News: The Sabres are still about $3.6 million over the salary cap ceiling, and will be actively looking to make trades before their Oct. 7th season opener.
- Mike Harrington via twitter: After signing Tyler Myers to the 7 year, $38.5 million contract extension, Harrington thinks that Sabres must be thinking the salary cap is going up to the $68-70 million range next year. They will now start working on Tyler Ennis.
- Bob McKenznie via twitter: Wouldn’t be surprised if during the next CBA that the NHL tries to get each year of a contract the same. The player would receive their cap hit each year. Greg Wyshynski via twitter: “I applaud creative accounting like Buffalo’s this summer. Until next CBA adjusts the calculation of the cap, go bananas, GMs not named Lou.”
- Katie Strang via twitter: Alexei Yashin said he won’t be attending the Islanders training camp.
- Larry Brooks of the NY Post: Rangers winger Wojtek Wolski will likely be given a shot to be on a line with Brad Richards and Marian Gaborik. If that doesn’t work out, Tortorella could move Brandon Dubinsky to the left wing on the top line. Brooks wonders is Sean Avery can earn a significant role with the Rangers, but if not, then what? Lines could look like: Wolski-Richards-Gaborik; Dubinsky-Artem Anisimov-Ryan Callahan; Ruslan Fedotenko-Derek Stepan-Zuccarello (his spot to lose); Michael Rupp-Brian Boyle-Brandon Prust. Defense pairings could look like: “Marc Staal-Dan Girardi; McDonagh-Sauer (if healthy); a third pair with Erixon, Steve Eminger, Del Zotto and Pavel Valentenko in the mix.”
- Chip Alexander of the Raleigh News & Observer: Who plays with Hurricanes all-star Eric Staal is up in the air after the departures of Eric Cole and Cory Stillman. Jeff Skinner’s name has come up in talks for the left side, but Alexei Ponikarovsky may get the first look. Jussi Jokinen, Anthony Stewart and Zac Dalpe are names being mentioned for the right side.
- David Pollak of the San Jose Mercury News: Sharks winger Martin Havlat is listed as day-to-day as he’s still recovering from shoulder surgery that he had last May. Antti Niemi had a cyst removed and may miss the first day of camp. Antero Niittymaki is heading to see a specialist for a groin-related problem, he missed 17 games last year.
“We’ve exhausted all the conservative therapy that we’ve had with him,” Wilson said. “There’s a procedure that can get him pain-free so we’re supportive of that. If that procedure takes place, he’ll be out for probably 12 weeks or so.”
Sharks prospects Tony Lucia and James Marcou are still dealing with post-concussion symptoms and won’t be at camp. Nick Petrecki and Frazer McLaren are day-to-day as they recover from off-season hip procedures. James Sheppard will be out for another 2 months as he recovers from knee surgery.
- Kevin Mio of Hockey Insider/Out: Canadiens defenseman Andrei Markov suffered a setback a couple weeks ago. He had his knee drained of water, and it will take some time to rehab it again. Tony Marinaro said on Team 990 that the problem developed from training too hard. Former NHLer Enrico Ciccone doubted Markov would be ready for the season opener.
Front loaded, long-term deals will be a thing of the past … Why there hasn’t been offer sheets … Panthers make 3 small trades
Posted by Mark Easson in NHL Free Agents, NHL News, NHL Rumors on July 10th, 2011
- Larry Brooks of the NY Post: Brooks on long-term front loaded contracts,
Forget the nine-year deals both Richards and Bryzgalov signed. The Kovalchuk Amendment not only allows, but encourages an 18-year front-loaded deal for a 21-year-old coming off Entry Level, under which nearly all of the money is packed into the first 10 years as long as the final nine seasons are established at $1M apiece.
That’s the formula that would get Steven Stamkos on an offer sheet. That’s the formula that would get Drew Doughty. That’s the formula (though adjusted for a 13-year deal running through age 40) that most assuredly would have gotten Zach Parise, which is exactly why the Devils filed for salary arbitration and thus removed the winger from the market.
Brooks thinks this is what the league wanted as proof that the system is broken, and it plans on fixing it in the next CBA. They will look to keep contract at 5 to 7 years, and take the average of the 3 to 5 highest years to get the cap number.
- James Mirtle of the Globe and Mail: Steven Stamkos and Drew Doughty seem to be the perfect candidates to sign an offer sheet, but so far it hasn’t happened. There have only been 6 offer sheets in the past 5 years. Carolina signed Sergei Fedorov to one in 1998, 6 years at $38 million. Mirtle offers up some reasons why teams may not look at signing players to offer sheets. 1. Cost is too prohibitive – if a team were to sign Doughty or Stamkos, it would have to be for a lot more than $7 million in hopes that the offer wouldn’t be matched. If it was for over $7.835 million it would cost the team 4 1st round draft picks. 2. Teams are afraid of retaliation – If the Leafs put in an offer for Stamkos, the Lightning could do the same for Schenn, which would drive up the cost of the players. In 2008 the Blues matched an offer sheet from the Canucks for David Backes. The Blues then signed Steve Bernier to offer sheet, which the Canucks matched. 3. They create bad blood – see the Dustin Penner and Thomas Vanek situation with Oilers. Burke and Regier were not impressed with then GM Kevin Lowe. 4. They rarely work – Chris Gratton in 1997 was the last player to change teams before Dustin Penner did a couple years ago.
- Katie Carrera of the Washington Post: The Capitals traded Eric Fehr to the Jets for Danick Paquette and a 4th round pick on Friday, a deal that put them about $400,000 under the salary cap ceiling. They still need to re-sign Karl Alzner. If the Capitals put Tom Poti on LTIR at the start of the season, it would clear up $3.2 million in cap space. Alzner’s agent said they are having “good negotiations” but “we just disagree where Karl’s value is.”
“We’ve been trying for a long time to work on a two-year deal, with value based on what Karl’s arbitration would come in at,” said Barry, who added that a longer-term deal was not discussed with Washington. “We’ve just been unable to bridge the gap at this stage.”
- CP in the Globe and Mail: The Jets have acquired Kenndal McArdle from the Panthers for Angelo Esposito.
- Brad Ziemer of the Vancouver Sun: The Canucks have acquired the rights to Mike Duco from the Panthers for Sergei Shirokov.
- Randy Sportak of the Calgary Sun: The Flames have acquired Jordan Henry from the Panthers for Keith Seabrook.
“Jordan Henry is a two-way defenceman who plays with an edge to his game,” said Flames GM Jay Feaster in a statement. “He is a responsible and smart defender, yet he is also adept at joining the rush and pinching down the wall to support the offence. He is still a solid prospect, and we viewed this trade as an opportunity to give two young players a new start with different organizations.
“We look forward to seeing Jordan compete with our other recent depth acquisitions for a spot in our top seven in camp.”
Several file for arbitration … Some interest in Langenbrunner … What the Leafs offered Richards … Burke on free agency … Kaberle’s interest “limited”
Posted by Mark Easson in NHL Free Agents, NHL News, NHL Rumors on July 5th, 2011
- Andrew Gross via twitter: NY Rangers forward Brian Boyle to file for arbitration, some goes for Brandon Dubinsky, and most likely for Ryan Callahan. Dubinsky will file, but they are hopeful a contract can get done before their hearing.
- Jim Jamieson via twitter: Jannik Hansen has filed for salary arbitration.
- Tom Gulitti via twitter: Jamie Langenbrunner’s agent said this morning that a few teams are interested and he’s mulling offers.
- Darren Dreger via twitter: The Maple Leafs offered Brad Richards a 6 year deal worth $42 million.
- Michael Traikos of the National Post: Brian Burke on free agency,
“We were in on most of the free agents that signed,” said Burke. “We were aware of what they were getting, we made offers on a number of them. The term that was given to multiple players, the salaries that were paid to multiple players just made no sense to us at all. And we have cash and cap space. That doesn’t mean it’s sensible to spend it on marginal players. It makes no sense.”
- Kevin McGran of the Toronto Star: The market for Tomas Kaberle according to one NHL source is “limited” and “Not like he wanted.” The Bruins still hold some interest, as do Nashville and Minnesota.
Morning rumblings involving Richards, Arnott, Doughty, Blackhawks, Flames, Sabres, Red Wings and Lightning
Posted by Mark Easson in NHL Free Agents, NHL News, NHL Rumors on July 3rd, 2011
- Kevin Allen via twitter: Brad Richards salary breakdown: “$12M, $12M, $9M, $8.5M, $8.5M, $8.5M, $7M + 3 Yrs at $1M. Yrly totals include signing bonuses.$10M in 11-12, $8M in 12-13”
- Darren Dreger via twitter: The Maple Leafs offered Brad Richards a higher annual average salary than the Rangers, but Richards wanted the term and to play for John Tortorella again.
- Damien Cox of the Toronto Star: The Maple Leafs are still said to have some interest in Jason Arnott.
- Helene Elliott of the LA Times: The Kings and Drew Doughty have exchanged proposals, it could be in the $7 million range. GM Lombardi was at Newport Sports office Friday, but didn’t meet with Doughty’s agent, Don Meehan.
- Daily Herald: There were possible trade talks between the Blackhawks and Canadiens. There is speculation that the Blackhawks could be having trouble re-signing one of their free agents, Michael Frolik, Chris Campoli, or Viktor Stalberg. GM Stan Bowman hopes to sign all 3. They might be kicking tires on adding a center, possibly John Madden, Eric Belanger and Zenon Konopka.
- Steve MacFarlane of the Calgary Sun: Flames GM Jay Feaster,
“Guys are getting traded. Teams are starting to make phone calls, teams trying to unload salary. Now, for the first time in a long time, we are poised to take advantage when we see an opportunity we like.
“We’re not done. We think there will be opportunities in the trade market. We think there will be opportunities when camps open.”
- Mike Harrington of the Buffalo News: The Sabres will have to move some salary out. They could send Ales Kotalik and Shaone Morrisonn to the AHL, those moves would have $5 million in cap space. They could look at moving Brad Boyes ($4 million) or Jochen Hecht ($3.5 million). Both Boyes and Hecht are in the last year of their deals.
- Ted Kulfan of the Detroit News: The Red Wings are debating about re-signing Chris Osgood or looking at the free agent market, possibly Ty Conklin.
- Adrian Dater via twitter: Dater heard a rumor that the Red Wings could be interested in Chris Drury.
- Erik Erlendsson via twitter: The Lightning could be looking for 1 or 2 forwards, including a top 6.
NHL Free Agent tracker for July 2nd
Posted by Mark Easson in NHL Free Agents, NHL News on July 2nd, 2011
| Players | Old Team | New Team | Contract Notes |
| Rick Rypien | Canucks | Jets | 1 year, $700,000 |
| Kent Huskins | Sharks | Blues | 1 year, $1 million |
| Randy Jones | Lightning | Jets | 1 year, $1.15 million |
| Tomas Vokoun | Panthers | Capitals | 1 year, $1.5 million |
| Ian White | Sharks | WIngs | 2 years, $5.75 million |
| Alec Bolduc | Canucks | Coyotes | 1 year , $575,000 |
| Simon Gagne | Lightning | Kings | 2 years, $7 million |
| Anthony Stewart | Jets | Hurricanes | 2 years, $1.8 million |
| Tim Connolly | Sabres | Leafs | 2 years, $9.5 million |
| Nolan Baumgartner | Canucks | Canucks | 1 year, $525,000 |
| Chris Bourque | Capitals | 1 year, $1 million | |
| Matt Gilroy | Rangers | Lightning | 1 year , $1.4 million |
| Brad Richards | Stars | Rangers | 9 years, $60 million |
Brad Richards signs with the New York Rangers
Posted by Mark Easson in NHL Free Agents, NHL News on July 2nd, 2011
Brad Richards has decided to sign with the New York Rangers.
Darren Dreger via twitter: Richards signs for 9 years, $58.5 million deal. A $6.5 million cap hit.
Nick Kypreos via twitter: Richards will get $50 million in the 1st 5 years of his deal.
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