Michael Stuart: Bringing Brad Richards Back to Tampa?

Fist, oilers.

Fist, oilers.
- Oilers4Life14

Honestly not that much of an accomplishment in my threads.

As much as I would.want Richards on the leafs if bought out, id rather see richards go back to tampa. Only problem is to fit him in, I really think malone has to go

As much as I would.want Richards on the leafs if bought out, id rather see richards go back to tampa. Only problem is to fit him in, I really think malone has to go
- Mapleleafs_91

I would agree. As much as I love Malone as a person, and even as a player, I'm not sure that he brings enough consistency to have a place on the roster given his salary. If he was making half the money, he would be absolutely perfect on a third line. His heart and passion for the game makes him one hell of a player. Love Bugsy.

EDIT - At the right price, I still think that the team could make Richards fit. There's a lot of young guys coming up and they won't take up much cap room.

Where would you put him? I can't really see him going to tampa unless he got a top 6 spot. IMO

Where would you put him? I can't really see him going to tampa unless he got a top 6 spot. IMO
- Crazycaboose

I think he'd have to slot in on the wing with Lecavalier.

X-Stamkos-St. Louis
Richards-Lecavalier-X

That would be my setup.

I think he'd have to slot in on the wing with Lecavalier.

X-Stamkos-St. Louis
Richards-Lecavalier-X

That would be my setup.
- Michael_Stuart

Oh for some reason I only really thought he would play center.

Oh for some reason I only really thought he would play center.
- Crazycaboose

I'm sure that's his preference, given history. As said, this is nothing more than speculation so all of the Xs and Os aren't worked out. However, I think that if there's a team able to sell Richards on playing on the wing it's probably the Lightning.

I think he'd have to slot in on the wing with Lecavalier.

X-Stamkos-St. Louis
Richards-Lecavalier-X

That would be my setup.
- Michael_Stuart

Would love to see him play on the wing with Vinny and either Drouin/the Russian dude whose name I can't get right (Nicushkin?). I really do miss Richards, got a chance to meet him in his rookie year when I was just a little kid. It'd be pretty cool if I could meet him again in his return to Tampa

P.S yep first post ever, shouldn't mean much though since I've been reading your stuff since your days on the right side of the screen (the myhockeybuzz thing). Keep up the good work

It wouldn't be a bad idea if he gets bought out by the Rump Rangers. Good veteran leadership, reunite the old cup squad for another run at things. But he's not worth anywhere near what Dallas or NY were paying him these days. Not even half that.

The amount asked and term would screw up our youths development. Plus we where 3rd in scoring, how much more offensive production is needed? Pass.

Good read Stu. But if i remember correctly both Richards and Dan Boyle had some choice words for the Lightning organization when they were traded. Said that they were promised things and lied too.

Good read Stu. But if i remember correctly both Richards and Dan Boyle had some choice words for the Lightning organization when they were traded. Said that they were promised things and lied too.
- Bieksa#3

Different ownership. Don't think it would still be a problem. Would love to have Richards back. Boyle to, for that matter. I'm still bitter about that one. Richards and a big russian winger (I'll just call him Nunchuk for now) flanking Vinny sound like an amazing 2nd line though.

The amount asked and term would screw up our youths development. Plus we where 3rd in scoring, how much more offensive production is needed? Pass.
- Artyukhin76

we would probably get him for a decent price ...i think he would be thriving again if he came back to tampa for some reason..things were special when those 3 were together back in 04 and they were unstoppable

as far as youth developement i am mixed with this, it would give them another huge leader to turn to when things go wrong or they have their doubts, but also it would be taking ice time on a higher line away from players who are gonna get developed and stick with us for a longer time than richards lol

all in all at the end of the day i would love to have him back though! fantastic player

Would love to see him play on the wing with Vinny and either Drouin/the Russian dude whose name I can't get right (Nicushkin?). I really do miss Richards, got a chance to meet him in his rookie year when I was just a little kid. It'd be pretty cool if I could meet him again in his return to Tampa

P.S yep first post ever, shouldn't mean much though since I've been reading your stuff since your days on the right side of the screen (the myhockeybuzz thing). Keep up the good work
- Icegirl94

Welcome!

Different ownership. Don't think it would still be a problem. Would love to have Richards back. Boyle to, for that matter. I'm still bitter about that one. Richards and a big russian winger (I'll just call him Nunchuk for now) flanking Vinny sound like an amazing 2nd line though.
- angryminority

Love it.

Different ownership = Stable ownership. Like you, I don't think it should be a problem.

The amount asked and term would screw up our youths development. Plus we where 3rd in scoring, how much more offensive production is needed? Pass.
- Artyukhin76

Don't let third in scoring fool you. We have a 50+ goal scorer on the team. That tends to skew things.

Good read Stu. But if i remember correctly both Richards and Dan Boyle had some choice words for the Lightning organization when they were traded. Said that they were promised things and lied too.
- Bieksa#3

Thanks.

Tampa has just over $3 million in cap space and still has to sign 6-7 players. I don't see how they can afford Richards unless he is playing for $1 million? Richards is still going to cost $3-4 million a year.

Tampa has just over $3 million in cap space and still has to sign 6-7 players. I don't see how they can afford Richards unless he is playing for $1 million? Richards is still going to cost $3-4 million a year.
- nigelwright275

The team gets relief from Ohlund's contract due to his long-term injury.

The team gets relief from Ohlund's contract due to his long-term injury.
- Michael_Stuart

THATS how the rule goes! I couldn't understand it !

THATS how the rule goes! I couldn't understand it !
- RileyB77

Well it's not as straight forward, but sort of. When I get home I'll send you a message on it.

Well it's not as straight forward, but sort of. When I get home I'll send you a message on it.
- Michael_Stuart

OK

but the prospects coming up aren't going to take a lot of money to pursuade to play in the NHL lol i'd play for free my first year lol theyre just so pumped to have finally of made it they don't care and understand that they havent proven anything yet and are not really worth a huge payment...yet... so us signing all those young prospects will be fairly cheap and leave room for richards

Buying out or trading Malone is the first thing to do. He doesnt fit the team anymore. Still a good player and Im sure a team would be interested in him, for maybe a pick. Im still debating whether buying out Brewer would be a good thing or not. Not too many Dmen available that would be an upgrade.

Richards is an idea. Briere could be another one. He could add some scoring depth as well as veteran leadership. Plus he wouldn't cost much.

Saying this, I'dd really like to see Connolly step up in the top 6 at some point. I believe the year in the AHL did him some good and could surprise this coming year.