Quote:
Originally Posted by Hellohf
Well, I agree that Richard hasn't been a success this far, but still he's 2nd after Gaborik in total points, 2nd on the team in scoring. Yeah, he's making 7 million and I would like him to contribute more, but it's not like he's been awful.
And I can't see why all focus is on him, when for example Dubinsky has 5 goals and a 4.2 million contract?
A lot of player are doing a lot worse in scoring this year comparing to last year.
Dubinsky had 24 goals in 77 games last year. On pace for 9 in 77 g
Boyle had 21 goals in 82 games. On pace for 5
Prust had 13 goals in 82 games. On pace for 3
Anisimov had 18 goals in 82 games. On pace for 13
Richards had 28 goals in 72 games. On pace for 24
Stats wise Richard isn't doing that bad, what's bothering me is that he hasn't been running the PP as well (at all) as I would have hoped.
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First - Richards salary this year is 12 million, not 7 million. Quite a difference. He has the highest salary in the league this year. Period. His cap hit is lower (6,7 M) only because he got a deal so long to lower it (he will not play out his final 2-3 years) which was possible as a loophole in the CBA.
He has been wildly inconsistent this year. Putting up some pretty nice clutch goals and some fine play at times combined with mediocre and slow, uninspired periods. He is by no means a superstar in the league right now and to be the leagues highest played player - well - you gotta expect more. A lot more. I think we have seen at least one player on each team we have faced that has a more dominating role on the ice. Sad to say. For example - compare him & Malkin last night. Two different universes of level & performance.
He is smart but not dominant. His skating is far below what I thought I had seen before. His shot is pretty good - if he decides to hit the net (not always the case). He combines good passing with periods of senseless, abysmal giveaways. He was brought in to QB the powerplay and well - that has basically been a catastrophe so far.
He seems very frustrated at the moment. This is not a good thing. Can he raise his level of play. I hope & think so. His mentor role is a good thing - but we cannot pay this kind of money to mentor young players. Heck - we could have resigned Jagr for that...
He definitely needs some talent (sniper) on his flanks. Prust/Mitchell/Feds are not elite wing talent. Totally agree here. I would go back to putting him with Gaborik (and Hagelin) on a first line. I think this could work amicably and they could dominate for longer periods. Patience. BTW - Hagelin has been our best forward the past 5-6 games now in overall play imo. Reunite the Pack line as a checking line (that can also contribute offensively) matching up against other teams top units and maybe try Wolski - Stepan - Feds (or MZA) on a 3rd line with a more offensive role (play against other teams 3rd line). I think they could contribute considerable points (this line was good last year in spurts). Rupp/Mitchell - Boyle - Prust back on the 4th line where they belong - but getting more minutes than in Torts usual 4th line strategy - in an important defensive role (a 2nd checking line).
If this doesnīt work - well then look at making a trade with not maybe dealing any core players but something. Which might not be that easy since if you are not willing to give up anything - what are you gonna get? Which I think we should make at the deadline nonetheless (not any blockbusters but getting some important yet rolefilling pieces compensating obvious holes).
But anyone now saying that Brad Richards play has been up to expectations and isnīt doing bad so far is simply lying to themselves. Or has an extremely flawed perception of what production & reward is about.