NHL Trade Rumors: Brad Richards and 9 Free Agents That Won't Be Traded

As the February 28th NHL trade deadline draws near, the trade rumors get louder.  The likely candidate for a trade rumor generally starts with players that will be entering free agency in the offseason.  This list includes 10 players that will be free agents but that we don’t expect to see being shipped off.

Brad Richards

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CHICAGO, IL - DECEMBER 08: Brad Richards #91 of the Dallas Stars skates against the Chicago Blackhawks at the United Center on December 8, 2010 in Chicago, Illinois. The Blackhawks defeated the Stars 5-3. (Photo by Jonathan Daniel/Getty Images)

Brad Richards, Dallas:

With the trade for Jamie Langenbrunner it would seem as if the Stars are ready to make a big push for a Stanley Cup run.  Richards is obviously a major part of the team as he leads them in goals and assist.  Reports are that there have been some talk about a new contract already. A big question mark here is a lack of ownership for the team, however signing your best player seems like a no brainer and a good selling point for any potential buyers.

Howard To Stay In Net

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DENVER, CO - JANUARY 10: Goalie Jimmy Howard #35 of the Detroit Red Wings defends the goal against the Colorado Avalanche at the Pepsi Center on January 10, 2011 in Denver, Colorado. Howard started the game and gave up four first period goes before being

Jimmy Howard, Detroit: 

Howard has been the starting goalie for the Red Wings the past two season and has played well. He had 37 wins last year and 22 so far this year despite an abundance of injuries to several key members of the team. The one issue is that he is making a bargain 716k so he will be due a hefty wage increase this offseason. It will be interesting to see how the Wings work that under the cap, regardless he will not be moving anywhere at the trade deadline.

Steven Stamkos

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NEWARK, NJ - JANUARY 09: Steven Stamkos #91 of the Tampa Bay Lightning skates during an NHL hockey game against the New Jersey Devils at the Prudential Center on January 9, 2011 in Newark, New Jersey. (Photo by Paul Bereswill/Getty Images)

Steven Stamkos, Tampa Bay: 

Stamkos is an restricted free agent after this season. Lightning GM Steve Yzerman has made it known that signing Stamkos to a long term deal is a top priority. Reportedly there have been some initial talks between the two sides. Don’t expect the league’s leading goal scorer to go anywhere.

Milan Hejduk

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DENVER - DECEMBER 27: Milan Hejduk #23 of the Colorado Avalanche controls the puck against the Detroit Red Wings at the Pepsi Center on December 27, 2010 in Denver, Colorado. The Red Wings defeated the Avalanche 4-3 in overtime. (Photo by Doug Pensinger

Milan Hejduk, Colorado:

He has spent his entire 11-year career with the Avalanche. He signed a one-year deal last season. There will be several teams that will be very interested in the 34 year old who has 10 consecutive seasons with 20+ goals, however with the Avalanche in the thick of the playoff hunt, there is no way that they trade their second leading scorer.

Christian Ehrhoff

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NEW YORK , NY - JANUARY 13: Christian Ehrhoff #5 of the Vancouver Canucks plays the puck against the New York Rangers during the game at Madison Square Garden on January 13, 2011 in New York City. (Photo by Andy Marlin/Getty Images)

Christian Ehrhoff, Vancouver:

One of four defensemen that will be a free agent for the Canucks this year. He currently makes $3.4M  and reportedly will be in line for a contract in the $4.5M-5M range. He has acknowledged that he would likely have to take less money in order to stay however he has praised the organization and loves the city, all good signs that he would like to stay. At 28, he is a young defenseman who can patrol the blue line for years to come. He had a +36 rating last season and is coming off back-to-back 40+ point seasons and is on pace to easily reach that again. Contract talks are on hold right now, but with Vancouver leading the West, there is no way that they trade Ehrhoff.

Justin Williams

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LOS ANGELES, CA - JANUARY 08: Justin Williams #14 of the Los Angeles Kings shoots the puck against the Columbus Blue Jackets at the Staples Center on January 8, 2011 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Harry How/Getty Images)

Justin Williams, Los Angeles:

A couple of years ago Williams had back-to-back 30+ goal seasons but hasn’t played in more than 50 games since the 06-07 season. Healthy and playing well this season he looks to be back on track as a 30-goal 65-point season is within sight. 

Alexander Semin

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ST. LOUIS, MO - DECEMBER 01: Alexander Semin #28 of the Washington Capitals looks to pass the puck against the St. Louis Blues at the Scottrade Center on December 1, 2010 in St. Louis, Missouri. (Photo by Dilip Vishwanat/Getty Images)

Alexander Semin, Washington:

Despite being a part of many trade rumors, if the Capitals have any interest in a Cup run this year then they will keep their leading goal scorer. Beyond that, Alex Ovechkin has made it known that he wants Semin to stay. The Caps will have room under the cap and should be able to sign him. At this point, the bet is that Semin remains in Washington for the rest of the season.

Nicklas Lidstrom

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DENVER, CO - JANUARY 10: Nicklas Lidstrom #5 and captain of the Detroit Red Wings looks as he awaits a face off against the Colorado Avalanche at the Pepsi Center on January 10, 2011 in Denver, Colorado. MacDonald replaced starting goalie Jimmy Howard in

Nicklas Lidstrom, Detroit:

Not a real surprise here but when a player of this magnitude nears the end of their career people wonder if a move will be made to get some younger players back. Consider Lidstrom beyond untouchable. The team captain has played with the Red Wings his entire career. In the conversation for best defensemen ever, he is on the very short list. He will be wearing the winged wheel for as long as he wants.

Ilya Bryzgalov

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GLENDALE, AZ - JANUARY 17: Goaltender Ilya Bryzgalov #30 of the Phoenix Coyotes makes a pad save on the shot from Jamie McGinn #64 of the San Jose Sharks during the second period of the NHL game at Jobing.com Arena on January 17, 2011 in Glendale, Arizon

Ilya Bryzgalov, Phoenix: 

The Phoenix GM has made it known that keeping Bryzgalov is a top priority. An ownership change seems to be holding up any talks right now but it is difficult seeing them trading away a Vezina trophy finalist from a year ago. 

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Brooks Laich

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PITTSBURGH, PA - JANUARY 01: Brooks Laich #21 of the Washington Capitals celebrates defeating Pittsburgh 3-1 during the 2011 NHL Bridgestone Winter Classic at Heinz Field on January 1, 2011 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Jamie Squire/Getty Image

Brooks Laich, Washington:

While not a top line player, Laich is the classic depth player that a team needs to make a deep playoff run. At 27 years old he already has three straight 30+ goal seasons. Washington is a team that will have money available under the cap. The question will be, how much are they willing to pay to keep Laich?