(For the record, we're talking about a compliance buy-out which has no cap effect, not a "standard" buy-out.)
I don't think it's certain, but I think there is definitely a REAL chance that it happens during the summer of '14. At that point he'll be 34 with 6 years remaining on his deal at an annual cap hit of $6.67MM.
Depending on where the cap comes in for the '14-'15 season and how he performs this year and next you'd definitely have to consider it - especially given that we have FOURTEEN players with contracts that end that same summer...
I don't see it being Richards they buy out. Redden is a certainty, but Richards is a guy that you can definitely move without having to buy out. 34 for a center isn't ancient by any means.
I don't see it being Richards they buy out. Redden is a certainty, but Richards is a guy that you can definitely move without having to buy out. 34 for a center isn't ancient by any means.
You get two buyouts, so using one on Redden doesn't preclude you from buying out Richie.
I'm not saying it's a done deal, but 34 is definitely on the downside and we will have a LOT of talent just entering its prime needing new deals - not to mention the fact that you never know who will be available then in UFA or between now and then via trade. If the cap doesn't rise significantly from $64.3MM, it is most definitely an option that may need to be considered.
Especially since the alternative may well be buying him out at 37 or 38 when it WOULD have a cap effect...
You get two buyouts, so using one on Redden doesn't preclude you from buying out Richie.
I'm not saying it's a done deal, but 34 is definitely on the downside and we will have a LOT of talent just entering its prime needing new deals - not to mention the fact that you never know who will be available then in UFA or between now and then via trade. If the cap doesn't rise significantly from $64.3MM, it is most definitely an option that may need to be considered.
Especially since the alternative may well be buying him out at 37 or 38 when it WOULD have a cap effect...
I think Richards fate very much depends on if we win a Cup (or 2 ) the next 2 seasons. If we win one, we might consider it. If we win two, I think it is a very realistic alternative. If we do not win any but are still close - far less likely IMO. Time will tell - moot speculation...
I don't see it being Richards they buy out. Redden is a certainty, but Richards is a guy that you can definitely move without having to buy out. 34 for a center isn't ancient by any means.
Even if you move him, you're still looking at a big cap benefit recapture charge if he retires early.
Quote:
Originally Posted by Jaromir Jagr
I thought the (2) compliance buyouts needed to be executed this summer, prior to the 13-14 season..
There was definitely some confusion, but it seems accepted now that the two compliance buy-outs need to be completed by the summer of 2014.
Even if you move him, you're still looking at a big cap benefit recapture charge if he retires early.
There was definitely some confusion, but it seems accepted now that the two compliance buy-outs need to be completed by the summer of 2014.
Well if that's the case then it would be in consideration but that all depends on a few things:
Do we win a cup in the next 2 seasons before the buyouts need to be executed?
Does Gaborik want to stay here and will do so at a reduced cost?
What players emerge from the depth pool to provide answers to a loss of Richards caliber?
Etc, etc.
I can see, if we win a cup before then, Gaborik gets resigned for less, and the buyout can be used prior to the 14-15 season, then yeah, Richards probably should get it, and perhaps resigned at a much lower year term.
Maybe the NHL should adopt a system similar to the NFL's, where contracts are not guaranteed.. who knows.
Well if that's the case then it would be in consideration but that all depends on a few things:
Do we win a cup in the next 2 seasons before the buyouts need to be executed?
Does Gaborik want to stay here and will do so at a reduced cost?
What players emerge from the depth pool to provide answers to a loss of Richards caliber?
Etc, etc.
I can see, if we win a cup before then, Gaborik gets resigned for less, and the buyout can be used prior to the 14-15 season, then yeah, Richards probably should get it, and perhaps resigned at a much lower year term.
Maybe the NHL should adopt a system similar to the NFL's, where contracts are not guaranteed.. who knows.
New CBA clearly forbids any player in a compliance buyout to resign with that team under any circumstances (trade, new contract, waivers) for one year.
Have we forgotten the days when "Crusher" Christensen was our 1st line center already?
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"Here we can see the agression of american people. They love fighting and guns. when they wont win they try to kill us all." -HalfOfFame
It depends on how he plays.
What if he has a 55 point season next season?
IF that were to happen, I still think it comes down to - who would replace him and allow us to still field a win-now roster?
I know we are all a bit gun-shy due to past UFA signings, but more so than anyone the Rangers have brought in in years, Richards relies almost exclusively on his high hockey IQ. Which (knock on wood) is a trait that tends to stick around for a while.
Brad Richards is getting just a massive amount of money right now. The problem is not just his age, but the fact that he's just not irreplaceable as a first line center.
He is not nearly as unique as either Gaborik or Nash is. He's not as unique as McDonagh or Lundquist either.
I am not saying we "should" buy out Richards.
But what if you could erase the money he is getting and then go chase a different first line center?
IF that were to happen, I still think it comes down to - who would replace him and allow us to still field a win-now roster?
I know we are all a bit gun-shy due to past UFA signings, but more so than anyone the Rangers have brought in in years, Richards relies almost exclusively on his high hockey IQ. Which (knock on wood) is a trait that tends to stick around for a while.
I don't expect it to happen because Richards isn't particularly strong or fast, so we don't have to worry about those things deteriorating. It's just too early to say it's not a possibility, too. A lot can change in two years.
Brad Richards is getting just a massive amount of money right now. The problem is not just his age, but the fact that he's just not irreplaceable as a first line center.
He is not nearly as unique as either Gaborik or Nash is. He's not as unique as McDonagh or Lundquist either.
I am not saying we "should" buy out Richards.
But what if you could erase the money he is getting and then go chase a different first line center?
You'd have to think about it.
I just fear that Richards contracts will be a hindrance on our cap. And that he's likely to decline as he ages, it's not worth having that cap number. I'd rather simply re-tool/trade for a more affordable player. Or hope Stepan/Lindberg take the next step.
I think Richards is going to be a valuable player into his late 30s. He doesn't really rely on any physical aspects to play his style. Players don't lose their vision/sense as they age.
First they wanna buy out Gaborik, and then their better idea is to buy out Richards.
HF NYR has gone completely off the deep end
this is one of the few ideas that has a reason behind it. the trade girardi, trade staal, trade del zotto because we have too many good defenders has to be one of the dumber ideas. then theres the trade gaborik idea which is just insane. oh and who could forget callahan is a 3rd line grinder. if the organization was up to the rangers board no one would be safe
) the next 2 seasons. If we win one, we might consider it. If we win two, I think it is a very realistic alternative. If we do not win any but are still close - far less likely IMO. Time will tell - moot speculation...
