Quote:
Originally Posted by Tortorella
Yeah that's the big problem here. Technically we need Richards because he is still a productive centerman (at least on the scoresheet), however I think it best benefits us in the long term to get rid of his contract ASAP because his on ice play has been far from impressive during his Ranger tenure here. I think he should be able to get a great return since 1Cs are the highest valued commodity in the NHL. The Rangers should get at the very least a good prospect, a filler roster player and a 1st Rounder from a team desperate enough for a 1C. Next year without Richards will be a mini-retooling period by 'letting the kids play' and they can look at the deadline for a guy like Pavelski and sign him to a long term deal.
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The problem with this theory is that Lundqvist will be 32 by then. If we don't have a quick replacement for him, we've wasted his career without giving him the Cup. Honestly, had he been drafted by Detroit or another team that was good the last 8 years, he'd have been a guaranteed Hall of Famer by now with multiple Cups under his belt.
* I'm assuming we don't have to buy out Richards this summer. From what I understand, we can do it next year?