Brad Richards Part III: The Buy-Out!

[JohnC]

Can't be bothered to check if this was posted already

http://www.nhl.com/ice/blogpost.htm?id=17861

 

[Richter Scale]

Moving this here from the GDT:

I'm perfectly fine with scratching him, but I actually don't think that it is a good idea to buyout Richards this summer - despite his dog **** play this year - unless there is a solid plan in place for who they are looking to replace him with. I'm not seeing any options out there, and severely doubt that Sather has any sort of plan in the works. Here is to hoping he proves me wrong.

In my mind, it is better at this point to hope this year was a fluke that came about from the lockout shortened season and that he returns at least close to form next year. If that doesn't happen, buy him out next summer.

And then re: "Richards' replacement is Step and Brassard" --

I think this is wishful thinking. I really don't expect Brassard to maintain the level of play he has since he got here next season. His entire career has been full of inconsistent play staggered with bursts of brilliance. I've been warning since the trade, that though I liked it, people needed to temper their expectations. In a 2/3C tweener role, he's been great. Assuming he can be a good, exclusively 2C after just 23 games is a big leap.

And though I think Stepan may have a better shot at maintaining his performance next year than Brassard does, I also am not convinced that he comes back and replicates a near point per game pace next year. He's still developing, so who knows - but I think it is a huge risk to take to rely on him to continue this... He basically doubled the point pace he put up in any other season; that is a huge jump. It is also a contract year for him. Dubinsky's contract year ringing any bells? For the record: I don't think Step will regress like Dubi did after his contract, but I'm not convinced he is now a permanent ppg player based on one half season.

Understand, I'm not saying either are bad players -- I just think this is the kind of **** our fanbase (and our GM) does way too often: overrate players based on a limited sample size and some recent good performance. Kreider had a nice playoffs last year, and everyone - including our GM it seems - was slotting him into the lineup this year. He ends up not replicating that, and suddenly we're up ****'s creek with an unbalanced roster and missing pieces that need to be added at the deadline.

Bringing all this back to Richie though -- On one hand, I'm not terribly confident that he can rebound next year. On the other, I think it is reasonable that he may have been thrown off by a lockout shortened season and can at least partially rebound next year. In the end, I think it may be better to take that chance than to rely on Stepan and Brassard to continue the far and away best performances of their careers so far and getting a 3/4C. You've still got the option to buy him out next offseason.

At the very least, I'd like to know Sather has a plan - which I am not confident he does - for what to do to fill the hole in the lineup if he buys out Richards. I'm not saying he should go out and get another high-priced UFA (please god, Glen, don't go after Ribeiro), but I'm not confident that this team will be competitive with 1C: Stepan, 2C: Brassard, 3/4C: ??? 3/4C: Boyle. Seems like playing with fire.


Edit: It should also be noted, that Brassard has a sh % well above his career average since joining the Rangers (and a ridiculous sh% of 20% in the 13 regular season games he played with NYR). Stepan, likewise, has a sh% a decent amount higher than either of the other two full seasons he has played in the NHL. Just something to keep in mind.

Last thing I'll say is that if it is being done this summer as opposed to next because of the concern about injury... I get it. Not a big fan of it. But I get it and can accept it.

 

[Zamboner]

I get your concern about whether Stepan and Brassard could be a legitimate 1-2 Center. To be honest, I don't think they can (specifically Brassard). But neither can Brad Richards. So get rid of him while you can.

 

[Kershaw]

Exactly. Jagr has a few mediocre games, takes short shifts, starts to show some age, and what does he do? Stays on the ice late to practice. Richards has bad games, takes short shifts, makes dumb mistakes, shows his age, and what does he do? Whines to the beat writers about how he doesn't know whats wrong. Is it that hard to see? Work harder.

To be fair, Jagr is a freak of nature and fitness guru.

 

[tjs252]

Ok, so if 6th ave doesn't stand in the way (even though they would), what about 29 other NHL teams? You think the Devils or the Penguins would be fine with the NYR circumventing the rules to save a few million/year in cap hit?

You buy him out sooner than later because you can use all the cap money you can get, especially in a season where the cap is going to decrease. It allows Sather increased flexibility and removes a potential bad situation from the locker room. The amnesty buyout is a freebie and you can bet your ass it's going to be used this summer.

Well, in this hypothetical scenario, no, I can't imagine the teams would stand in the way of a buyout. Gomez and Redden were left for dead and look relatively revitalized (and their season will extend longer than their former parent club's). If the 29 other GM's were to, for the sake of argument, get together, I'd imagine the prevailing logic would be new players at reduced rates (because almost all amnesty buyouts will have to sign some manner of 'make good' contract).

To be clear, this is not advocating for Richards remaining for the duration of his contract, but rather why him being on the 2013/14 squad makes more sense than an immediate buyout does.

 

[HatTrick Swayze]

Moving this here from the GDT:





And then re: "Richards' replacement is Step and Brassard" --




Last thing I'll say is that if it is being done this summer as opposed to next because of the concern about injury... I get it. Not a big fan of it. But I get it and can accept it.

Spot on with my thinking. I would love for Step and Brass to take the torch next season. But banking on it with no backup plan seems like a typical move that could spell real trouble for next season.

At the same time it's really a given that Richards has to be bought out this summer. Don't see him getting better in NY due to mental weight of it all and injury fears.

 

[Kershaw]

Richards is still better than Brassard, but get out of that contract ASAP. The Rangers can expect another mediocre seeding (only make it due to Hank) and early playoff exit due to lack of depth at center. This team is going nowhere.

 

[3rd Guy High]

Honestly I think we'll be fine with Stepan, Brassard, Lindberg and Boyle down the middle next year. Worst comes to worst we will have 2 2nd Cs and 2 3rd Cs. Not horrible. I think Lindberg will surprise next year and the healthy competition for Brassard to lock down that 2c spot will be good for both Brassard and Lindberg.

As far as Stepan, I am sold on him being a 1c in the regular season. Will he put up 80+? Maybe not, but I can see 65+ every year from here on out while being a defensive stalwart.

 

[Blackhawkswincup]

That would be hilarious. Like a Wade Redden light. Signing a player on reputation alone and then having a $3m 4th liner - who's a bad 4th liner - for 3 years.

Still a step up from recent #2 C for Blackhawks

Morrison and Handzus

 

[Clown Fiesta]

Spot on with my thinking. I would love for Step and Brass to take the torch next season. But banking on it with no backup plan seems like a typical move that could spell real trouble for next season.

At the same time it's really a given that Richards has to be bought out this summer. Don't see him getting better in NY due to mental weight of it all and injury fears.

It's one season. Not many prime C's available on the UFA market either.

It's time to make some changes, not continue spinning our tires. I'd rather take that chance than pay Richards to underachieve and attend Knicks games with Dolan. Not to mention risk injury. If we have the extra cap space at least we can make a move during the season if need be.

 

[419forever]

Well, in this hypothetical scenario, no, I can't imagine the teams would stand in the way of a buyout. Gomez and Redden were left for dead and look relatively revitalized (and their season will extend longer than their former parent club's). If the 29 other GM's were to, for the sake of argument, get together, I'd imagine the prevailing logic would be new players at reduced rates (because almost all amnesty buyouts will have to sign some manner of 'make good' contract).

To be clear, this is not advocating for Richards remaining for the duration of his contract, but rather why him being on the 2013/14 squad makes more sense than an immediate buyout does.

I disagree - the rest of the league would certainly have an issue in this hypothetical scenario. If the Rangers tried to push a compliance buyout after 13-14 and Richards happened to be injured, every team in the league has incentive to stand in the way. The NYR would have to wait until they can use a traditional buyout, suffer a cap hit for twice the amount of the remaining years, and be at a slight disadvantage each year for as long as the buyout term lasted.

This is purely business. As much as I'd like to give Richards another chance to go through a full camp, you cut bait after this season because you are guaranteed that little extra bit of cap flexibility going forward.

 

[HatTrick Swayze]

Honestly I think we'll be fine with Stepan, Brassard, Lindberg and Boyle down the middle next year. Worst comes to worst we will have 2 2nd Cs and 2 3rd Cs. Not horrible. I think Lindberg will surprise next year and the healthy competition for Brassard to lock down that 2c spot will be good for both Brassard and Lindberg.

As far as Stepan, I am sold on him being a 1c in the regular season. Will he put up 80+? Maybe not, but I can see 65+ every year from here on out while being a defensive stalwart.

To me, worst come to worst would be Lindberg not being ready. Boyle being 30 pt regular season Boyle, and Brassard reverting to an inconsistent 40ish point player. Having a 2, a 3, a 4, and an AHLer.

Planning on Lindberg to step right in and Brassard to maintain his strong play is exactly the type of logic trap the Rangers usually fall into. Probably factor in a panic signing of Weiss as well. Which all said results in a 7-9 finish and nothing much to speak of in May.

Center depth is priority #1A/1B (with goaltending) for building successful NHL hockey teams. Again I'm not saying they shouldn't buy out Richards...don't see h recovering here and there is the injury risk.

 

[RangerBoy]

Here come the violins for Richards

Ron MacLean of CBC. Richards is his buddy.

In 2011, Brad chose to sign with the Rangers against the advice of his agency. They certainly did not argue against New York, but they had laid out what they felt was a better fit with more money on the table. In the end Brad wanted to be closer to P.E.I., so his parents and his grandfather could stay up and watch the games.

He also wanted to play for Torts.

Newport thought Calgary was a better fit. They also represent Iginla. Calgary offered more money.

You cannot do that to players in the crosshairs the way Wayne was then and Brad is now. It's horrible to strip a player of such character of his dignity in public. New York has made it a bad habit. Wade Redden was so well thought of in Ottawa, they chose Wade over Zdeno Chara. I feel the same way about Redden. He was thrown out.

Bobby Holik, Scott Gomez. These are highly regarded players elsewhere who were made to appear to have lost it in New York.

http://www.cbc.ca/sports/hockey/nhl...on-maclean-brad-richards-john-tortorella.html

How did that decision work out for Ottawa? Bryan Murray tried to trade Redden twice. The Rangers signed Redden and he sucked. St.Louis realized so he sucked too. Boston took him because Chiarelli knew him from Ottawa. Boston caught a break when Redden got hurt.

Holik and Gomez. Were made to appear? Holik did nothing after the Rangers bought him out. Montreal couldn't wait to dump Gomez. Its amazing some people in the media have jobs.

 

[HatTrick Swayze]

It's one season. Not many prime C's available on the UFA market either.

It's time to make some changes, not continue spinning our tires. I'd rather take that chance than pay Richards to underachieve and attend Knicks games with Dolan. Not to mention risk injury. If we have the extra cap space at least we can make a move during the season if need be.

Bearing a string of good breaks, its one more season in purgatory. I'd say "hoping for the best" with the center depth is the definition of spinning the tires.

 

[OverTheCap]

To me, worst come to worst would be Lindberg not being ready. Boyle being 30 pt regular season Boyle, and Brassard reverting to an inconsistent 40ish point player. Having a 2, a 3, a 4, and an AHLer.

Planning on Lindberg to step right in and Brassard to maintain his strong play is exactly the type of logic trap the Rangers usually fall into. Probably factor in a panic signing of Weiss as well. Which all said results in a 7-9 finish and nothing much to speak of in May.

Center depth is priority #1A/1B (with goaltending) for building successful NHL hockey teams. Again I'm not saying they shouldn't buy out Richards...don't see h recovering here and there is the injury risk.

Agreed. The Rangers assumed Kreider would be able to step in as top 6 forward this season and that didn't work out. Can't pencil Lindberg into the lineup just yet.

I'm concerned about Brassard as well. He's been good so far, but then again, it's a small sample size and he has suffered from inconsistency in the past.

 

[DudMan28]

Spot on with my thinking. I would love for Step and Brass to take the torch next season. But banking on it with no backup plan seems like a typical move that could spell real trouble for next season.

At the same time it's really a given that Richards has to be bought out this summer. Don't see him getting better in NY due to mental weight of it all and injury fears.

I think you have to go with Step and Brass. We would be no worse off then we are now in my opinion. An extra 6.6 mil in cap space can go a long way. People that are saying its not a great FA market seem to be forgetting that a good chunk of players will be bought out by their teams. Not all of them are bought out for sucking like Richie, but bought out because teams cant handle their cap hit. There will be some decent players in FA. I think you stick with the young guys and go through the growing pains. Brass is 25 or 26 I think and Step is 22. They've been inconsistent throughout their careers but I can see them finally making that step to produce consistently.

 

[Clown Fiesta]

Bearing a string of good breaks, its one more season in purgatory. I'd say "hoping for the best" with the center depth is the definition of spinning the tires.

The same exact thing could be said to you about Richards. What's your plan? There is no quick fix available this time, go with what we have and try and upgrade at other positions, or go with what we have now and hope Richards regains his form? Either way it's a precarious situation.

What happens if all the doom and gloom you expect to happen with Brassard, Lindberg, Miller and Boyle happens plus we have an underachieving Richards?

 

[haveandare]

To be fair, Jagr is a freak of nature and fitness guru.

Sure, but Richards is struggling far more and just moping about it. I don't expect him to become Jagr and turn into a completely fitness freak, but if he's struggling and it's really affecting him emotionally, I'd like to hear at least once that he was doing more than the bare minimum amount of work between games.

 

[NYRCSKA*]

Sure, but Richards is struggling far more and just moping about it. I don't expect him to become Jagr and turn into a completely fitness freak, but if he's struggling and it's really affecting him emotionally, I'd like to hear at least once that he was doing more than the bare minimum amount of work between games.

Jagr is also an exponentially better hockey player than Richards. Jagr is 41 while Richards is 33. Richards cannot hold Jagr's jock at any level of the game.

 

[Glennsoe]

I think this is very fitting, it was the first song I heard after I read the news..

 

[haohmaru]

I still don't think this leads to a BR buyout. This is a shake up for the team and BR hasn't had a decent game yet in the playoffs and has been downright awful, for whatever reason, as our #1C. His passing, skating, and decision making has been flat-out minor league stuff. I can't explain it. Neither can he. If the NYR buy him out, it'll be at the end of next year after giving him a "real" season, and off season, to see if can find his game.

 

[HatTrick Swayze]

The same exact thing could be said to you about Richards. What's your plan? There is no quick fix available this time, go with what we have and try and upgrade at other positions, or go with what we have now and hope Richards regains his form? Either way it's a precarious situation.

What happens if all the doom and gloom you expect to happen with Brassard, Lindberg, Miller and Boyle happens plus we have an underachieving Richards?

Read my other posts. I am not in favor of keeping Richards. I get it, it's done.

I also am not "expecting" doom and gloom. It could work out GREAT if the cap space is used well, Lindberg steps in, and Brass puts up 60 points. I do take issue with COUNTING on that and with the argument that we will be fine and there are 0 risks with that scenario, and with having no other good options.

Less an issue with the Richards buyout, more with what a trainwreck this franchise has been.

 

[nyranger61494]

I still don't think this leads to a BR buyout. This is a shake up for the team and BR hasn't had a decent game yet in the playoffs and has been downright awful, for whatever reason, as our #1C. His passing, skating, and decision making has been flat-out minor league stuff. I can't explain it. Neither can he. If the NYR buy him out, it'll be at the end of next year after giving him a "real" season, and off season, to see if can find his game.

That's not reason enough??

 

[haohmaru]

That's not reason enough??

Hey, I didn't say he SHOULDN'T be bought out, I said that I don't think he will be. At least not this summer.

 

[TheTakedown]

The new CBA signed Brad Richards fate as soon as it was ratified. I truly believe this to be true.

With the way the new CBA has the cap recapture crap structured Brad Richards was doomed as soon as it was signed. It doesn't make any difference how well he plays. From a pure financial perspective you cannot have him retire early and have the team subjected to a massive cap hit in the later years. It would be irresponsible for the Rangers to retain his services

If the rules stayed the same under the old CBA there isn't a risk in the final years of that contract. But with the new rules ? You HAVE to amnesty him. You cannot have those contract terms hanging over the organization

I think even if he was playing at the top of his game he would be a goner. He surely cannot be the only long term signed contract that is going to be amnestied for pure financial considerations.

I think Brad realized his days in NY were numbered as soon as the season started. I think it probably has impacted his play as well. He probably figured he could come to NY and then retire. Unfortunately the terms of his contract were altered after signing it and this is the end result.

What would be more interesting is if he was playing AWESOME hockey how the fans would react when he gets bought out anyway.

How does this work out for the rangers? I'm not entirely familiar with the cap hits transferred for retirement