It's still cap relief for the Rangers if they're only paying Ricahrds 2-3 million per season (or is it only the cap hit? I'm not entirely clear on the rule) and they don't have to buy him out. I don't care how rich you are buying out Richards is going to sting.
Can the Rangers afford to match a 6.7/year contract? Not saying the Flames are going to or should offer that but I couldn't see the Rangers matching.
Regarding Gaudreau. There are tons of players that can flat out play before they get to the NHL. What does Conacher or Gallagher have to do with anything. Gaudreau is much smaller than either of them and they've done nothing at an NHL level except have pretty good rookie seasons. The list of sub 5'10" players who excel in junior and college but never succeed in the NHL is far longer. I'm not against him at all and he may be the next Fleury/St-Louis but right now he's still a huge risk and an unknown. Teams aren't going to part with anyone of note for that big a risk.
- Hunkulese
Although you're right Gadreau still has alot to prove in terms of being able to play in the NHL amongst men, you can't say that there have been many his size that have dominated so strongly as he has at his level...
