Would Acquiring Brad Richards Be Common Sense for New York Rangers?

Michael Stein by Scribe Written on July 01, 2009
DETROIT - JANUARY 29:  Brad Richards #91 of the Dallas Stars skates during the game against the Detroit Red Wings at Joe Louis Arena on January 29, 2009 in Detroit, Michigan. (Photo by Dave Sandford/Getty Images) (Photo by Dave Sandford/Getty Images)

I didn't even think of it until Steve Zipay brought it up. Why wouldn't the Rangers target Brad Richards?

Richards has played with Tortorella before, and been successful.

Richards can play the point on the powerplay, something we have sorely lacked this past season.

First and foremost, however, Brad Richards is overpaid.  He gets $7 million-plus for each of the next two years!

I talk about his acquisition because of the notions aforementioned...it might just make some degree of sense.

Torts obviously likes the guys he's won with, and Sather has a track record of either overpaying players or picking up overpaid players. Is Brad Richards worth that much cash?

Absolutely not.

However, he is much more talented than any other forward we have at the present time.  It wouldn't surprise me if new GM Joe Nieuwendyk is looking to make an impact...and trading a guy Dallas picked up who hasn't quite lived up to expectations would be a solid start for him.

The year he was traded, he scored 62 points. This past season, he played only 56 games and scored 48 points, with an underwhelming 16 goals.

In my opinion, this would be like reacquiring Scott Gomez.

As much as this trade might "make sense" on a few levels, I beg you, Sather, don't do it.

If we're going to commit $14 million, I'd rather...sadly...give it to Mike Camallieri.

The guy does nothing but score. Brad Richards, on the other hand, disappears for games at a time.

All Rangers fans have been discussing is a need to pick up a No. 1 center, or at least one high profile player...but not at the price of a Brandon Dubinsky, Ryan Callahan, or Marc Staal. Nieuwendyk would almost certainly want one...maybe two of those.

As I stated earlier in another article, Vinny's the guy we need to target. And quite frankly, with the atrocious trades and signings in Brian Lawton's repertoire, maybe we can fleece the crap out of him.

Vote Now! - Author Poll

Is Brad Richards the Answer?

  • He's Horrible!
  • Eh... It Might Work
  • Probably a Smart Move
  • The Best Option!
vote to see results
Results - Author Poll

Is Brad Richards the Answer?

  • He's Horrible!

    16.1%
  • Eh... It Might Work

    29.0%
  • Probably a Smart Move

    43.5%
  • The Best Option!

    11.3%
  • Total votes: 62
(0)
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written on July 01, 2009 Opinion

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