Brad Richards

[NYR Sting]

So, two years ago, the team was mediocre, barely snuck into the playoffs, and lost immeidately. The biggest roster change they made the following summer was adding Brad Richards. Last year, the team went to the conference finals despite lacking truly ideal linemates for Richards.

Yeah, what a horrendous addition he's been.

No doubt, he's playing quite poorly so far this season. The vitriol toward him, however, is being magnified by the abysmal PP. He's one reason the PP has been dreadful; he's not the only reason.

I'm willing to give the guy the benefit of the doubt. He's never succeeded based on his physical skills, so I have a hard time believing that he just forgot how to play.

The fact remains that thanks to the backwards manner in which this team was constructed, thanks to the fact that this team has continued to fail to develop a homegrown #1 center now going on over 30 years, there was basically no choice but to sign Brad Richards two summers ago. Unless y'all wanted this team to remain a mediocre bubble team for two years waiting for the possibility that Ryan Getzlaf will be available.

 

[KreiMeARiver*]

Compliance buyout Richards, give 27 year old UFA center Ryan Getzlaf a nice contract, win Stanley Cup.

I mean, I wouldn't hate that.

Getzlaf is a beast.

 

[Punxrocknyc19*]

too bad the Rangers cant get Alex Galchenyuk or a young potential star prospect in the making for Richards.. at least i was able to in NHL 13 any chance that they can get a first round pick for Richards?? since the Rangers dont have a first, maybe they should look into trying to get a first round pick back..

 

[smoneil]

So, two years ago, the team was mediocre, barely snuck into the playoffs, and lost immeidately. The biggest roster change they made the following summer was adding Brad Richards. Last year, the team went to the conference finals despite lacking truly ideal linemates for Richards.

Yeah, what a horrendous addition he's been.

No doubt, he's playing quite poorly so far this season. The vitriol toward him, however, is being magnified by the abysmal PP. He's one reason the PP has been dreadful; he's not the only reason.

I'm willing to give the guy the benefit of the doubt. He's never succeeded based on his physical skills, so I have a hard time believing that he just forgot how to play.

The fact remains that thanks to the backwards manner in which this team was constructed, thanks to the fact that this team has continued to fail to develop a homegrown #1 center now going on over 30 years, there was basically no choice but to sign Brad Richards two summers ago. Unless y'all wanted this team to remain a mediocre bubble team for two years waiting for the possibility that Ryan Getzlaf will be available.

I agree with the call for patience. In fairness though, the team DID develop a #1 center. They just traded him for some magic beans because that center didn't look like a superstar by 22.

 

[nevesis]

I mean, I wouldn't hate that.

Getzlaf is a beast.

A BEAST, and played with Nash in the Olympics. Two huge badass canadians who are in their prime put together here... would be a ****ing dream.



Yes please. This is what I want in my number one center. Not Brad Richards...

The stuff he does at the end of this video at the skills competition, man...not many guys in the world have hands like that. Truly sickening what he can do with the puck.

 

[Dorado*]

This is silly he was terrible yesterday because of stupid turnovers and mental lapses. That has nothing to do with age.

It has everything to do with age . Wade Richards poor decision making with the puck can be directly related to his not being a step ahead of anyone . While never fast as everyone here attests he was definitely quicker . He had a good playoff but right now looks like Redden . Washed up . Buy this guy out this summer and move forward .

 

[tjs252]

So, two years ago, the team was mediocre, barely snuck into the playoffs, and lost immeidately. The biggest roster change they made the following summer was adding Brad Richards. Last year, the team went to the conference finals despite lacking truly ideal linemates for Richards.

Yeah, what a horrendous addition he's been.

No doubt, he's playing quite poorly so far this season. The vitriol toward him, however, is being magnified by the abysmal PP. He's one reason the PP has been dreadful; he's not the only reason.

I'm willing to give the guy the benefit of the doubt. He's never succeeded based on his physical skills, so I have a hard time believing that he just forgot how to play.

The fact remains that thanks to the backwards manner in which this team was constructed, thanks to the fact that this team has continued to fail to develop a homegrown #1 center now going on over 30 years, there was basically no choice but to sign Brad Richards two summers ago. Unless y'all wanted this team to remain a mediocre bubble team for two years waiting for the possibility that Ryan Getzlaf will be available.

This is how I feel. His importance to the team cannot be understated or minimized. This is a sport (much like baseball) based on minimizing failure, not maximizing success (like basketball or football). A player with the skillset of Richards does not just suddenly forget how to play overnight. He's been playing poorly, exceptionally poorly in the neutral zone (so much so that last night in the second period on a breakout with Richards open at the redline, Gaborik carried the puck zone to zone which is out of character for him and I think speaks to how many of Richards' teammates also notice his struggles there this season) but as one of the few truly skilled two-way forwards we have, he's got to get right if we're going to get anywhere. Scratching him or dropping him in the depth charts is not the answer. Maybe short term, but this season and next is all about the big picture, not a 4 game stretch.

 

[NYR Sting]

I agree with the call for patience. In fairness though, the team DID develop a #1 center. They just traded him for some magic beans because that center didn't look like a superstar by 22.

Marc Savard? Doug Weight? That's about it. And they were with the team for such short periods of time that it hardly counts.

 

[Punxrocknyc19*]

A BEAST, and played with Nash in the Olympics. Two huge badass canadians who are in their prime put together here... would be a ****ing dream.



Yes please. This is what I want in my number one center. Not Brad Richards...

The stuff he does at the end of this video at the skills competition, man...not many guys in the world have hands like that. Truly sickening what he can do with the puck.

id love Getzlaf on the Rangers.... he is a tough physical skilled power forward with alot of size and actually uses it.. if the Rangers sign him.....i cant wait for when he drops the gloves with Kovalchuk Simmons or Clarkson, those fans will complain well he should not be fighting leave that to Bickel Asham etc etc.... i love it when skilled players fight.. Lucic, Backes, M.Richards.. those fans of those teams dont complain when their star player drops the gloves...

 

[iamitter]

id love Getzlaf on the Rangers.... he is a tough physical skilled power forward with alot of size and actually uses it.. if the Rangers sign him.....i cant wait for when he drops the gloves with Kovalchuk Simmons or Clarkson, those fans will complain well he should not be fighting leave that to Bickel Asham etc etc.... i love it when skilled players fight.. Lucic, Backes, M.Richards.. those fans of those teams dont complain when their star player drops the gloves...

Well, most people don't love it.

Callahan dropped the gloves this season. That worked out great, right?

 

[Bleed Ranger Blue]

So, two years ago, the team was mediocre, barely snuck into the playoffs, and lost immeidately. The biggest roster change they made the following summer was adding Brad Richards. Last year, the team went to the conference finals despite lacking truly ideal linemates for Richards.

Yeah, what a horrendous addition he's been.

No doubt, he's playing quite poorly so far this season. The vitriol toward him, however, is being magnified by the abysmal PP. He's one reason the PP has been dreadful; he's not the only reason.

I'm willing to give the guy the benefit of the doubt. He's never succeeded based on his physical skills, so I have a hard time believing that he just forgot how to play.

The fact remains that thanks to the backwards manner in which this team was constructed, thanks to the fact that this team has continued to fail to develop a homegrown #1 center now going on over 30 years, there was basically no choice but to sign Brad Richards two summers ago. Unless y'all wanted this team to remain a mediocre bubble team for two years waiting for the possibility that Ryan Getzlaf will be available.

Agreed.

With an amnesty buyout in the summer of 2014 in their back pockets, the Rangers have a luxury to cut ties in a year and a half, if it comes to that.

This season and next sure looks to be the window to win with this squad anyway.

 

[SnowblindNYR]

Maybe I shouldn't put too much stock into it, especially since he's a playmaker but it worries me that Getzlaf had such awful goal production last year. Dubinsky territory of last year (goal production not overall game). I don't know if he's back this year, but I don't think you'll ever see top forwards struggle so much to put the puck in the net.

 

[The Gloaming]

id love Getzlaf on the Rangers.... he is a tough physical skilled power forward with alot of size and actually uses it.. if the Rangers sign him.....i cant wait for when he drops the gloves with Kovalchuk Simmons or Clarkson, those fans will complain well he should not be fighting leave that to Bickel Asham etc etc.... i love it when skilled players fight.. Lucic, Backes, M.Richards.. those fans of those teams dont complain when their star player drops the gloves...

Yes. Let's sign Ryan Getzlaf so that he can goon it up for us. Wonderful.

You do realize that for Backes, M.Richards, and Lucic, fighting probably makes up less than 20% of their game, right?

 

[Synergy27]

So, two years ago, the team was mediocre, barely snuck into the playoffs, and lost immeidately. The biggest roster change they made the following summer was adding Brad Richards. Last year, the team went to the conference finals despite lacking truly ideal linemates for Richards.

Yeah, what a horrendous addition he's been.

No doubt, he's playing quite poorly so far this season. The vitriol toward him, however, is being magnified by the abysmal PP. He's one reason the PP has been dreadful; he's not the only reason.

I'm willing to give the guy the benefit of the doubt. He's never succeeded based on his physical skills, so I have a hard time believing that he just forgot how to play.

The fact remains that thanks to the backwards manner in which this team was constructed, thanks to the fact that this team has continued to fail to develop a homegrown #1 center now going on over 30 years, there was basically no choice but to sign Brad Richards two summers ago. Unless y'all wanted this team to remain a mediocre bubble team for two years waiting for the possibility that Ryan Getzlaf will be available.

Hitting the nail on the head as per usual.

If Brad Richards hasn't earned some leeway then who has? Calling out a guy for playing badly and stating that he needs to improve is one thing (well, two things technically I guess), but completely reversing course and calling for a buyout or a trade after the guy made a huge positive impact just a season ago reeks of shortsighted impatience.

If this continues all season and the teams ends up disappointing the maybe it will be time to have this conversation, but there is zero need to be having it now.

 

[nevesis]

If this continues all season and the teams ends up disappointing the maybe it will be time to have this conversation, but there is zero need to be having it now.

********, for a guy that makes $250,000 per game there is PLENTY of need to be having this conversation.

Have you watched the past 13 games? He has been brutal in every one of them. A shell of his former self.

 

[Bleed Ranger Blue]

********, for a guy that makes $250,000 per game there is PLENTY of need to be having this conversation.

Have you watched the past 13 games? He has been brutal in every one of them. A shell of his former self.

Sensationalism at its finest.

Hes still producing on the score sheet. 10 points in 13 games, and a +5. Hes been making some terrible decisions with the puck.

But I, for one, am not going to let these 13 games be the norm for Brad Richards when hes been very very good for 854 NHL games before this.

 

[Synergy27]

********, for a guy that makes $250,000 per game there is PLENTY of need to be having this conversation.

Have you watched the past 13 games? He has been brutal in every one of them. A shell of his former self.

I've watched every game. He's been terrible. Maddeningly bad. Awful.

Do I think he can turn it around? Yeah, I do. Do I think he's earned a bit of leeway while he gets things figured out? Yeah, I do. Do I think a complete season of mediocre to bad play for a guy his age might be an indicator of an impending (or already here) decline as opposed to just a rough patch and therefore warrants genuine concern and a discussion about a possible successor at that point? Yeah, I do.

 

[nevesis]

Sensationalism at its finest.

Hes still producing on the score sheet. 10 points in 13 games, and a +5. Hes been making some terrible decisions with the puck.

But I, for one, am not going to let these 13 games be the norm for Brad Richards when hes been very very good for 854 NHL games before this.

Keep looking at the stat sheet. I'll be over here watching him play.

 

[nevesis]

I've watched every game. He's been terrible. Maddeningly bad. Awful.

Do I think he can turn it around? Yeah, I do. Do I think he's earned a bit of leeway while he gets things figured out? Yeah, I do. Do I think a complete season of mediocre to bad play for a guy his age might be an indicator of an impending (or already here) decline as opposed to just a rough patch and therefore warrants genuine concern and a discussion about a possible successor at that point? Yeah, I do.

I never thought he was a great hockey player. His skating is terrible, and doesn't have great hands, or a great shot.

He has good vision, and playmaking ability, thats about as far as it goes. He's past his prime now. Gotta get younger.

Sign Getzlaf.

 

[Bleed Ranger Blue]

Keep looking at the stat sheet. I'll be over here watching him play.

...and not whining about it until he hits a rough patch, like all players do. Yea, I got it.

 

[Florida Ranger]

[/B]

This is how I'm looking at it.

His play has been disconcerting, but it's still only 13 games in after a long layoff. He'll be fine.

That is why I'm not overly concerned.

He's not on the cliff of a decline. I don't even think he was participating in any practice/workout sessions by himself or with anyone from June-December. He just sat on his rear end and his play is the result. He wasn't the fastest skater before, but he's just slow - also mentally - and out of shape. His playmaking skills are still there despite his stupidity and laziness. 10 points in 13 games is pretty good. Take the good with the bad. He'll snap out of this slowness funk.

 

[Bleed Ranger Blue]

I never thought he was a great hockey player. His skating is terrible, and doesn't have great hands, or a great shot.

He has good vision, and playmaking ability, thats about as far as it goes. He's past his prime now. Gotta get younger.

Sign Getzlaf.

Buy-out our current #1 center for a guy that

1. might be on the market
2. might want to sign with the Rangers

Thats a cant-miss plan, and not a knee-jerk reaction or anything

 

[qwertyaas]

Sign Getzlaf.

And so it never ends. In 2 years the same conversation will roll around again.

 

[nevesis]

Buy-out our current #1 center for a guy that

1. might be on the market
2. might want to sign with the Rangers

Thats a cant-miss plan, and not a knee-jerk reaction or anything

1. WILL be on the market. He's a UFA at the end of this year.

2. Even if he wants to sign here, we won't have the cap space unless we compliance buyout Richards. His contract is 7 more years after this year...sickening.

 

[broadwayblue]

That is why I'm not overly concerned.

He's not on the cliff of a decline. I don't even think he was participating in any practice/workout sessions by himself or with anyone from June-December. He just sat on his rear end and his play is the result. He wasn't the fastest skater before, but he's just slow - also mentally - and out of shape. His playmaking skills are still there despite his stupidity and laziness. 10 points in 13 games is pretty good. Take the good with the bad. He'll snap out of this slowness funk.

So you are ok with a guy making $10,000,000 doing nothing to keep himself in game shape during the off-season? I'd argue that's worse than if he was just declining due to age.