“We have had talks with Brad throughout the year, and he’s not going to sign with us unless we have the ownership situation resolved, and it doesn’t look like that’s going to happen by the start of free agency,” Nieuwendyk said. “So while we could have discussions, it just doesn’t make much sense right now. So we would like to see if we could get something for his rights and allow another team to have a chance to sign him, but a lot of that is up to Brad and his agent.”

Richards has a no movement clause, and won’t easily waive it.

“I’m not aware of another player in this situation who has waived his no-trade clause, and I think there is a reason for that,” said Richards’ Toronto-based agent Pat Morris. “Accepting a move to another team creates an obligation, and you have to be pretty sure about that obligation. I think Brad has to do what’s best for himself and keep his options open.”

“It is difficult to leave Dallas, because it’s a city I really like and it’s a team where I thought I would have a chance to stay long-term,” Richards said. “But the ownership situation is what it is, and I’ve been through that before, and it’s something that’s really important to me. I want to win, and I think if you look around the league, the teams that win consistently are teams with strong ownership.”