Eklund posted a rumour yesterday that the Coyotes have interest in Tomas Vanek.
Please tell me it's not true.
I also heard that the Coyotes have interest in Brad Richards.
Unless they also have a time machine - in which case hopefully they can get back Kyle Turris - they better not go near him either.
Now, in certain circumstances, I think Brad Richards could still be a good player. He probably comes cheap,and while I think his days as a top line centre are probably behind him, he could certainly provide offense from the second line for somebody, just not the Coyotes.
The thing is, the Coyotes have good second and third line centres in Hanzal and Vermette, respectively. Brad Richards can't be expected to play on the first or fourth lines, so that leaves the Coyotes with nowhere to play him.
Plus, there's that pesky Ribeiro problem: He is unlikely to be bought out, since Phoenix is so cheap, err ugh, I mean "cost conscious," but if he's back there really is no where to play Richards.
BUT...if Brad Richards could play the wing, maybe there is a spot for him- certainly if that is an option then the Coyotes should explore it. Scoring is a problem for them and maybe Richards could be rejuvenated with a move to the wing. Ultimately, however, I think the Coyotes need to go younger and ignore signing any veterans on their last legs.
Vanek is a different story. He turned down big, big, money from the Islanders earlier this year and will expect to get a similar offer. No doubt he is more of a scoring threat than anyone on the Coyotes current roster and would be a great addition.
The problem is term. You are going to have to pay Vanek for several season in which it is unlikely he will be worth whatever money you pay him. Since the Coyotes are not on the verge of competing for a Cup with the addition of Vanek, I don't think this move makes much sense for them.
IF I was in charge, I would be looking to spend money on young players that can be added to the already talented core.
Neither Vanek or Richards fits this bill and subsequently, I would pass on both of them.
Thanks for reading.