NHL Today (9/11): Brad Richards, Avalanche, Hnidy, Byfuglien, and More

Nine years ago today, thousands died at the World Trade Center in New York City. Before reading this article, please take a moment and remember all who passed away on 9/11. 

Brad Richards

The star center is going to be a free agent next year, and as of now, there have been no talks between the Dallas Stars and Richards concerning a contract extension yet. Richards has done pretty well with the Stars ever since being traded to Dallas by Tampa Bay a few years ago.

The holdup between both parties most likely has to do with the murky ownership situation in Dallas. Richards will most probably be re-signed (or maybe even traded?) once the club is sold.

Colorado Avalanche

The Colorado Avalanche made a splash yesterday re-signing promising forward Peter Mueller to a two-year contract. However, the Avalanche are still under the cap by less than a million dollars. 

Avalanche management has a few options here. They could sign a veteran to reach the cap floor (Guerin maybe?). They could trade away a low draft pick for a bottom-six forward or a low-pairing defenseman (Meech from Detroit?). However, management will most likely sign a rookie out of training camp. Most probably a defenseman.

Shane Hnidy

The veteran defenseman has been invited to the Phoenix Coyotes' training camp. However, a roster spot is unlikely as their is a backlog of defenseman in the desert.

Dustin Byfuglien

With the recent signing of Nigel Dawes, Dustin Byfuglien might actually play as a defenseman for a bit. Although he is better as a forward than a defenseman, Byfuglien is familiar with the position as he was drafted by the Chicago Blackhawks as a defenseman. 

Signings Around the League:

• Andrew Cogliano (EDM)- $1 million (1 Year)
• Nigel Dawes (ATL)- $600,000 (1 Year; 2-way contract)
• Ryan Johansen (CLB)- ELC
• Martin Hanzal (PHX)- $3.6 million (2 Years)
• Peter Mueller (COL)- $4 million (2 Years)
• Ryan Potulny (CHI)- $500,000 (1 Year; 2-way contract)
  
  

Stay tuned for more updates coming soon! 

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