Toronto Maple Leafs: Will Brian Burke Target Brad Richards Come July 1?

The NHL trade deadline has come and gone for yet another season, and while the Toronto Maple Leafs are in the midst of a playoff push, fans have more than a few reasons to be excited for the future.

The Leafs take to the ice Saturday night to face off against the visiting Chicago Blackhawks. The reigning Stanley Cup Champions have hammered off seven straight wins, so if the Leafs wish to continue their dramatic run as of late, they will no doubt have their hands full.

However, the Blackhawks most recent win came last night at home against the Carolina Hurricanes. Interestingly enough, Leafs fans cheered on Chicago as they defeated the Hurricanes, but hope that their Leafs can take advantage of what should be a tired Blackhawks team.

If the Leafs can pull out another huge win tonight, they will find themselves a mere two points back of the eighth and final playoff spot in the Eastern Conference. But since this fact comes as no surprise, let’s turn our attention elsewhere.

Brad Richards still remains a member of the Dallas Stars, even after much speculation leading up to the trade deadline. Of all teams rumored to most-likely land the services of Richards was the New York Rangers.

Given the fact that the Rangers are one of the three teams that the Leafs are chasing down for a playoff spot, fans already have reason to celebrate the fact that Richards is not playing for New York. But a quick look towards the summer gives Leafs fans another reason to celebrate the trade that never was.

Come July 1, Richards will become an unrestricted free agent; this is of course, assuming he does not re-sign in Dallas. Watching Richards walk out the door for free will be a massive blow to the Stars, but given the uncertainty of the ownership situation in Dallas, this is the most-likely scenario.

If Richards does hit the UFA market, he will be the number one target for a number of teams, including the Maple Leafs.

Brian Burke will have competition from a number of teams, such as the Rangers and the L.A. Kings, but the possibility of Burke landing Richards is high for a few reasons.

During a media interview prior to a game in Toronto this season, Richards made it clear that he would welcome the idea of playing for the Blue and White if the opportunity were to present itself. But the question becomes at what price?

The Leafs will have more than enough cap space, but Burke may not to be willing to overpay considering the fact that Richards will be 31 years old.

Thus far this season, Richards has amassed a 24 goals and 39 assists, which puts him on pace for 75 points. Great numbers that would no doubt sustain in Toronto playing on a top-line with the likes of Phil Kessel.

However, if the Rangers or Kings are to offer Richards around $8 million per season for five years or more, which is a good possibility, Burke will not hesitate to look elsewhere to acquire a top-line center.

Paul Stastny of the Colorado Avalanche is only 25 years old and has comparable numbers with Richards over the past few years. This season, Stastny has amassed 50 points on a team with an uncertain future.

Combine a less than ideal situation in Colorado with Toronto’s need to acquire a top-line center, and the possibility of an off-season trade becomes very intriguing.

In order to pry Stastny out of Colorado, Burke may have to part ways with a first round draft pick and a top prospect. Although many Leafs fans, including myself, would prefer to see Kadri stay, Burke may choose to part with the young stud if it meant Stastny in return.

Will Burke pay or trade to acquire a number one center?

The trade deadline is over, and while the Leafs push towards the playoffs such off-season, intriguing questions will remain.  

Follow me on Twitter @that_hockey_guy