Richards has been in decline since before he left Philly. Years of blood and guts physical efforts and such seemed to have caught up to him. He's not nearly the physical player he once was and his defensive battle and offfensive production has also diminished. He does bring some intangibles, but
even those aren't quite what they might be due to the drop-off in his play. At this point, imo, MR is a 3rd liner, maybe second on some of the teams with less depth than others. On a value basis I think he's currently playing up to about $3-$4 million in salary, which makes him overpaid by about 2+ million/yr. He turns 30 in a 3 months. I don't see him getting his youthful vigor and performance back as he turns that corner.
- exlund

I LOVED Richards when he was with the Flyers. That said no way is he worth his contract anymore

I love anything with the word richards in it

Richards to TO for Holland and Robidas.

Makes sense for both sides!

I remember the debates on who was better, from the 2003 draft, Ryan Kesler or Mike Richards. Doesn't seem to be much of a debate now; what happened to Richards? Kesler is still excelling as a second line center and he's still an integral part of a great Ducks teams, Richards seems to be an after thought now.

no contender has the cap space to take on 5.75 for 5 years especially for a depth player
- chriscmc

Ducks, no problem.

I remember the debates on who was better, from the 2003 draft, Ryan Kesler or Mike Richards. Doesn't seem to be much of a debate now; what happened to Richards? Kesler is still excelling as a second line center and he's still an integral part of a great Ducks teams, Richards seems to be an after thought now.
- LeftCoaster

Grits. That's what happened.

Richards to TO for Holland and Robidas.

Makes sense for both sides!
- Byfuglien Ate Me

Except LA

I remember the debates on who was better, from the 2003 draft, Ryan Kesler or Mike Richards. Doesn't seem to be much of a debate now; what happened to Richards? Kesler is still excelling as a second line center and he's still an integral part of a great Ducks teams, Richards seems to be an after thought now.
- LeftCoaster

I don't feel sorry for him

I don't feel sorry for him
- DDM-Coga

I don't either, but, he's seemingly a shadow of his former self...why? Is it simple the depth around him now, or has he physically just tapped out?

Kesler still has great wheels, Richards never did but he seems SLOW, Kesler just seems to be so much better at this point in their careers.

I don't either, but, he's seemingly a shadow of his former self...why? Is it simple the depth around him now, or has he physically just tapped out?

Kesler still has great wheels, Richards never did but he seems SLOW, Kesler just seems to be so much better at this point in their careers.
- LeftCoaster

Honestly probably has a bit of competitive edge. Has won 2 cups and an Oly gold without having to be even in the Top 6 anymore. His contract as top heavy from what I remember so he has most of his salary paid out too.

Honestly probably has a bit of competitive edge. Has won 2 cups and an Oly gold without having to be even in the Top 6 anymore. His contract as top heavy from what I remember so he has most of his salary paid out too.
- DDM-Coga

a little, but not much. starting this year:

7,000,000

6,000,000

5,500,000

4,500,000

3,000,000

3,000,000

it's okay the last 2 years, but right now it's (frank)ing AWFUL

Anyone else find EK's articles to hold less truth than the comics in the newspaper? Yeah, me too, but its funny to read his bad delusions on rumors.

I don't either, but, he's seemingly a shadow of his former self...why? Is it simple the depth around him now, or has he physically just tapped out?

Kesler still has great wheels, Richards never did but he seems SLOW, Kesler just seems to be so much better at this point in their careers.
- LeftCoaster

Well, I think maybe Richards' skating and performance is/was related more to giving 110% efforts out there...efforts that maybe get harder to do when you're battle worn and close to 30, meanwhile Kesler's a naturally gifted skater so maybe it's easier for him to
maintain his level of skating and play.

I just love how the Flyers want every player available.

Anyone else find EK's articles to hold less truth than the comics in the newspaper? Yeah, me too, but its funny to read his bad delusions on rumors.
- Guile

you trying to tell me that garfield DOESN'T love lasagna?

Has EK ever had a rumor that didn't involve the Flyers?

As EK ever had a rumor that didn't involve the Flyers?
- guno89

Honestly probably has a bit of competitive edge. Has won 2 cups and an Oly gold without having to be even in the Top 6 anymore. His contract as top heavy from what I remember so he has most of his salary paid out too.
- DDM-Coga

Not sure what the Olympics has to do with anything? Kesler won a Silver and Richards won a Gold. They both played in the finals.

As for the Cup, Richards wasn't an integral part of those Cups, he was a bit player in the last one. Kesler went to a game seven final, and not as a bit player, he's logged a lot of miles for the Canucks.

Unless you're saying he just doesn't care any more?

PS: I don't even like Kes, just wondering why the players from the 2003 draft are still in their prime, where Richards seems to be an after thought now.

As EK ever had a rumor that didn't involve the Flyers?
- guno89

Yes

Richards to TO for Holland and Robidas.

Makes sense for both sides!
- Byfuglien Ate Me

Richards to TO for Holland and Robidas.

Makes sense for both sides!
- Byfuglien Ate Me

Toronto would never do that and you as a leaf fan should know that Peter Holland is a break through player that is going nowhere. He will eventually be the second line center on the leafs. Actually the Holland, Santorelli and Komorov line is the second line as far as production goes. They are fun to watch.

Richards has a ridiculous salary for what he gives back and is famous for goaless streaks last months.

Except LA
- sfrizz

Your wrong, LA would do that in a heartbeat. Toronto would be crazy to make that deal and it won't happen. You obviously know nothing about Holland and are basing Richards stock on his play many years ago. Richards will be very hard to trade unless LA eats a couple million of his salary for the next couple years.

I remember the debates on who was better, from the 2003 draft, Ryan Kesler or Mike Richards. Doesn't seem to be much of a debate now; what happened to Richards? Kesler is still excelling as a second line center and he's still an integral part of a great Ducks teams, Richards seems to be an after thought now.
- LeftCoaster

Richards stats may have decreased in recent years but an after thought? I think not. You want to compare the two.

Richards

673GP 176G 297A 473PTS. ( .70 PPG)

Playoffs

124GP 26G 61A 87PTS. ( .70 PPG)

2 x Stanley Cup Winner
3 Stanley Cup Finals appearances
1 Olympic Gold Medal
1 Calder Cup Trophy (AHL)
Selke Trophy nominee

That's a hell of an after thought

Kesler

672GP 187G 220A 407PTS. ( .61PPG)

Playoffs

57GP 12G 26A 38PTS. ( .67PPG)

1 Stanley Cup Finals Apperance
1 Selke Trophy
1 Olympic Silver Medal

I'm not saying Richards is valued higher at this point in his career but I do believe he would still be a valuable piece to a team that can put him in the right fit.

This season

Richards 16GP 2G 5A 7PTS 15:26MPG
Kesler 17GP 5G 9A 14PTS 20:16MPG

Don't want Richards back at all on the Flyers Unless he replaces either one of, Umberger,Vinny or MacDonald

Eklund: Preds, Jets, Pens, Sens, Leafs and FLYERS like Mike Richards? Buzzcast 1pm
- Eklund

I bet they do. I think Crosby, Benn, etc would look good in Calgary. So what's the point????