Gordon Bombay
HFNYR Head Coach
- Oct 13, 2006
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Very good question. Doubt well ever know thoOn another note, is it possible Richards is currently injured?
Don't mind giving him another year to see how he'll do. If he gets a major injury wouldn't he just go on ltir and the cap not count?
If he gets a small injury, technically he can't be bought out... unless he goes the Drury route. I posted this a while ago. Wouldn't it be better for him financially if he allows a buyout if he has an injury that's small enough to deal with? Obviously this wouldn't happen if it's a career-ending injury, but if it's small, there's nothing to worry about.
I'm a fan of this.
During the regular season yes. Will count in the summer, hampering the ability to make trade/FA moves then.
Re-sign Eminger for his current 750k. Hagelin gets a 2 year 2.1 million contract. Zuccarello a 2 year 1.85 million contract.
If you don't sign Clowe, you're left with nearly 9.5 million for Stepan and McDonagh. That's enough to keep Richards and sign both Stepan and McDonagh to long term contracts.
I think the real decision management is thinking about right now is whether they'd rather have Clowe or Richards. I think they're leaning towards keeping Richards, myself, seeing how he'd do under a new season, new PP coach and given that our center depth isn't exactly world class right now. Brassard is no lock for a top 6 role.
I don't understand all the hooplah about Richards and Clowe being slow. Did you guys never see them play before? They were never fast. Always on the below average side in terms of skating. The fact that they produced is a testament to their abilities on other sides of the game.
Richards was crucified this season because he was slightly slower and he admitted himself he wasn't prepared for this season, both physically and emotionally, but mainly because he didn't produce like he usually did. He was usually a minus player in his career because his bread and butter is the power play. This year, despite being a plus player, I saw somebody who had lost his confidence and was second guessing his every move because of it. His less than top notch conditioning certainly didn't help.
Stepan took a step forward this season because his speed got a teensy bit better and he played with confidence. For those who didn't notice, he looks like a Brad Richards in his 20's. Some differences obviously exist. RH shot, not as good of a slapper, better wrister and much better two-way player, not as good on the PP, but all in all, a very similar player in the offensive zone.
If Richards can regather his confidence, and I believe he will, I predict that he will put up 75+ points next season provided we have a functional PP and he stays healthy. All while being his usual sloppy footed self.
I remember Richards' exit interview where he said he didn't sign to play here for 1.5 years.
I feel the front office thinks the same way. If he has an excellent year next year, I also think they won't buy him out at all, mistake though it may be.
You give this team a functional PP and suddenly he has 80+ points last year and would have been on a similar pace this year.
He looked awful this year. I don't think he's declined as much as it looked.
Disbelief at the incompetence of this organization, perhaps.I don't know why but, I'm not convinced.
This makes no sense. Even if he rebounds to a respectable 70+ point level, he'll inevitably be bought out next season anyway (assuming there's no injury to him... which would suck).
Honestly (outside of the injury risk) can you name me a better option for center for us next season on a ONE YEAR CONTRACT? thats about what it amounts to.
Honestly (outside of the injury risk) can you name me a better option for center for us next season on a ONE YEAR CONTRACT? thats about what it amounts to.
Had so much hope for this offseason, and it came crashing down in a matter of seconds.
I can think of some UFAs I would rather spend 6.66M on.
Anyone who has ever played hockey could see it clearly. Brad Richards is FINISHED. He had NOTHING last year. No legs, nothing. The lockout was an excuse.
Very disappointed in the organization right now. Another year of BEAVER!!!!!!!! ****!
who is taking a 1 year contract? plz do tell.