Brad Richards

[Bleed Ranger Blue]

He played in the NHL, as a 19 year old, as the 3rd line center. He had his good and bad moments. I wouldn't say he looked totally out of place.

Theres a huge difference between "OK 3rd line NHL center" and "kid who played 3rd line center for a couple months at 19." I thought he looked overmatched, and it just got worse as time went on and the adrenaline wore off.

But whatever, thats not the point. You cant just name a bunch of prospects, most of whom will never play a game with the Rangers, and act like these are viable options at center for a truly contending team. Its just not feasible at such an important position.

 

[NYR Viper]

Theres a huge difference between "OK 3rd line NHL center" and "kid who played 3rd line center for a couple months at 19." I thought he looked overmatched, and it just got worse as time went on and the adrenaline wore off.

But whatever, thats not the point. You cant just name a bunch of prospects, most of whom will never play a game with the Rangers, and act like these are viable options at center for a truly contending team. Its just not feasible at such an important position.

They are options down the road, so I 100% disagree. A lot can happen in a year.

 

[Kokoschka]

UFAs in 2013-14: Malkin, Bergeron, Sedin, Thornton, Pavelski, Legwand, Stastny, Jokinen, etc. Either not gonna be available/not happening (Malkin, Bergeron, Seidn, Big Joe, Little Joe), or too risky (Stastny) or not capable of being a Top6 Center on a contender. All of them are gonna be too expensive. No thanks.
That said, I drool at the thought of seeing Bergeron in blue.

 

[Bleed Ranger Blue]

They are options down the road, so I 100% disagree. A lot can happen in a year.

This is the EXACT type of thinking that has gotten this organization into trouble recently. Its a cop-out that hedges against a legitimate plan of action to be a contending team. Contending teams in this league start at center ice. The talent there needs to be elite.

Does Derek Stepan, Derick Brassard, and JT Miller sound elite to you? Or are we going to pretend they might be and find ourselves in yet another bad roster position in a year or two?

 

[NYR Viper]

This is the EXACT type of thinking that has gotten this organization into trouble recently. Its a cop-out that hedges against a legitimate plan of action to be a contending team. Contending teams in this league start at center ice. The talent there needs to be elite.

Does Derek Stepan, Derick Brassard, and JT Miller sound elite to you? Or are we going to pretend they might be and find ourselves in yet another bad roster position in a year or two?

I have already stated that if they don't think that will work, they can go out and get a UFA or trade for someone. I think totally ignoring the young players in the organization would be a mistake. Assuming they will be a 2c in a year is also a mistake.

 

[5 4 Fighting]

I don't see Miller being anything more than a low end 2c in his prime. Hopefully he bulks up and cures his cowboyitis.

 

[broadwayblue]

I don't see Miller being anything more than a low end 2c in his prime. Hopefully he bulks up and cures his cowboyitis.

I for one would be thrilled if he blossomed into a low end 2C. Those don't exactly grow on trees.

 

[zuckera1]

As much as I love how Stepan has been playing this season, I still wince at the fact that he's this team's number one center. He definitely is this year given Richards' poor play, but moving forward I just doubt that he'll be able to keep up this level of production for seasons to come.

He's looked phenomenal this year, though he still makes occasional dumb plays with the puck. In turn, most centers would get a lot of assists and lots scoring-space in the O zone playing with Rick Nash.

Stepan was invisible last year in the playoffs, only scoring 1 goal in 20ish games. I like what I've seen from him this year, I just feel he's so young to be crowned this team's #1 center for the next 4-5 years. I need to see him perform in the playoffs before making any conclusive judgments, I'm rooting for him to do well. Love the guy

 

[LiveLongandProspal]

What a terrible player for us. The C curse continues!

 

[BB58]

No point of dressing him. Just let him rot in the press box.

 

[eco's bones]

One of these days maybe this guy will show up when we need him to.

 

[Blueblood 2]

He needs to be drug tested daily. Guy not only can't focus, he can't stand up, for crying outloud. He would fail a field sobriety test every time. The cops would love him.

 

[wolfgaze]

Spends more time on the ice then he does on his skates.

 

[The Gloaming]

If he wasn't already just with his contract alone, Beaver Brad is playing himself right to the buyout speech.

I don't think there's a more overpaid player for what he brings, in the entire league. I guess you could argue Bryz and Horcoff. That's literally it.

 

[Joe11]

I think Torts finally came to the conclusion that this is a lost cause, tonight

 

[Ian]

Richards makes me miss Gomez.

 

[LaffyTaffyNYR]

I'm on board with buying him out and trading one our top D for a top center. then again, they'd probably forget how to play here too so frustrating.

 

[MrEctions]

No question that its a buyout coming. Its just a matter of who do we replace him with. Like it or not it creates a hole in the lineup at C.

 

[LaffyTaffyNYR]

No question that its a buyout coming. Its just a matter of who do we replace him with. Like it or not it creates a hole in the lineup at C.

Malkin in 2014.

I hope Stepan continues this pace next year too. He's playing like a #1c. Brassard a #3c, so we would only need a #2 c.

 

[MrEctions]

Malkin in 2014.

I hope Stepan continues this pace next year too. He's playing like a #1c. Brassard a #3c, so we would only need a #2 c.

While I love what Stepan has done this year Im still not 100% convinced hes a true 1c yet. I hope so, but Im still cautious.


Edit: Oh and Malkin will be re-signed, no question.

 

[KingWantsCup]

I really feel bad for Richie. This year has clearly taken a toll on his psyche. The playoffs are where all is forgiven though. Let's just get there and then Richie can have the opportunity to right his poor season.

 

[Stepanformayor*]

Brad Richards needs to be gone and will be this summer. Stepan has had a great year and has not slowed down in the last 25 games. Torts is done with Beaver. You could tell it tonight. I don't care what any of you say even if they go get another center torts wants all his centers to be defensive any way. Stepan is exactly what torts wants out of his #1 center!

 

[LaffyTaffyNYR]

Brad Richards needs to be gone and will be this summer. Stepan has had a great year and has not slowed down in the last 25 games. Torts is done with Beaver. You could tell it tonight. I don't care what any of you say even if they go get another center torts wants all his centers to be defensive any way. Stepan is exactly what torts wants out of his #1 center!

We would still lack a #2c

I dont see Richards being bought out until after next year, unless he gets into it with Torts or something, cant have that.

 

[Riverdale]

He is clearly frustrated and upset with his play, but when is he going to do anything about it?

He has the skills, he has the IQ, why doesn't he man up and go out there hungry for a win? Moping around with the woe is me act isn't winning you any hockey games.

 

[MrEctions]

We would still lack a #2c

I dont see Richards being bought out until after next year, unless he gets into it with Torts or something, cant have that.

I think we would need another guy like Stepan. I think hes a tweener, 1C/2C guy. Get someone like Statsny, but then again, injury problems come into play. Bergeron would be a fantastic get, but it wont happen.