Mike Richards III (Cleared waivers 1/27/15)

[Herby]

DMac.

Once again, this is the Mike Richards thread, why do you and others come in here and get mad when people discuss Mike Richards? And btw plenty of people have been discussing his AHL play. But nowhere does the thread say we can't discuss his contract and future with the Kings.

He is an AHL player who is owed almost 30m in cap space over the next five seasons, you are living in dream world if you think people won't be discussing that part of it, it's a much bigger story than putting up 3 points in 2 games against AAA pitching.

 

[Captain Mittens*]

Our best best in that a dumb GM (Toronto's) thinks that Mike's intangibles would make the difference on their team.

Dave...You want Mike Richards
You need Mike Richards, Dave

 

[damacles1156]

DMac.

Once again, this is the Mike Richards thread, and plenty of people have been discussing his AHL play. But nowhere does the thread say we can't discuss his contract and future with the Kings.

He is an AHL player who is owed almost 30m in cap space over the next five seasons, you are living in dream world if you think people won't be discussing that part of it, it's a much bigger story than putting up 3 points in 2 games against AAA pitching.

That's fine, but the constant "Hey Mike Richards is terrible, he sucks " is tiresome.

Everyone knows the guy played poorly, it's why he is in the AHL. No one is disputing that.

 

[Herby]

Everyone knows the guy played poorly, it's why he is in the AHL. No one is disputing that.

Ummmm, that is not even close to being true. You may want to read through this thread again, not going to name any names but there are a few posters who seem to think he is in the AHL because he was wronged by Sutter and/or Lombardi.

 

[damacles1156]

Ummmm, that is not even close to being true. You may want to read through this thread again, not going to name any names but there are a few posters who seem to think he is in the AHL because he was wronged by Sutter and/or Lombardi.

Ok so one or two folks ? I know for a fact the majority of this board knows why Mike Richards is in the AHL.

It has nothing to do with Sutter.

Herby honestly are you going to convince those two folks that Mike played poorly ?

Probably not.

 

[Captain Mittens*]

Herby honestly are you going to convince those two folks that Mike played poorly ?

You are underestimating Herby. It's about time that you estimated him.

 

[KINGS17]

You are rehashing what everyone in this thread already knows. How is it relevant at all , now that Richards is not even on an NHL roster anymore ?

He was sent down because of poor play, Everyone knows that. Why is this being discussed over, over, over, over.

This thread, should now focus on, how is Richards going to change his game and try to rebuild his career.

I don't understand why people have to come in this thread now and carpet bomb it with Richards sucks....Yeah we know that, it's why he is in the AHL.

People posted he played a decent/good game in the AHL, was that incorrect ?

Then you got folks coming in saying "Ahh that doesn't mean anything " he sucks "

I mean it's ridiculous.

I will give Herby some props with, he is at least open to the idea that Richards can play different, and maybe reinvent himself.

What a load of crap, especially when I said:

If Richards can become the Justin Williams of the left side, more power to him. I think he would be fine on the 3rd line in that capacity. He needs to work on his shot some, but I am rooting for him.

I HAVE responded to people that want to bring any other player's performance into the Richards discussion, or tried to blame Sutter. That's the facts of the situation.

 

[damacles1156]

What a load of crap, especially when I said:



I HAVE responded to people that want to bring any other player's performance into the Richards discussion, or tried to blame Sutter. That's the facts of the situation.

Kudos then.

You are at least open to idea that Richards can change his game. I don't think he will ever shoot like Williams can.

He is more of a passer.

 

[YP44]

Ummmm, that is not even close to being true. You may want to read through this thread again, not going to name any names but there are a few posters who seem to think he is in the AHL because he was wronged by Sutter and/or Lombardi.

not sure who you are talking about but I could definitely see some of my posts coming off that way.
i simply still do not understand it yet. i like the look of the team with him in the bottom six over a couple of the current guys

 

[KingPuckChoo]

Time to trade Richards for Kane

 

[KINGS17]

not sure who you are talking about but I could definitely see some of my posts coming off that way.
i simply still do not understand it yet. i like the look of the team with him in the bottom six over a couple of the current guys

Why? When you're in the bottom six you have ONE JOB. That's to backcheck your ass off and not be a liability in your own zone.

Richards losing his check in his own zone was his biggest problem.

 

[Herby]

I'm obviously open to the idea of him at wing, it may be his only chance to get back to the NHL and if he plays well maybe the Kings only have to retain 2m and not 3m.

Even then, there is still way more negatives to MR's game than positives and I just see zero chance that he is back with the Kings next season at that astronomical cap hit. I think if Dean can't get anyone to take him without retaining a ton of money over the next five years that he opts for the buy out. Years 4 and 5 would be the big challenge but I think having a $1.8 of dead cap for 8 seasons is better than having a fringe NHL player taking up $5.75 for the next five years. You can work around a shade under 2, you can't work around a shade under 6, it's just not realistic.

As you know, I have not, unlike some here tooted my own horn about being right about this whole Richards situation, but I truly am shocked that some very smart people on this board tried to argue that his cap hit was not a big deal and that the Kings could make it work. This cap hit is completely devastating for the Kings chances the next couple of years and I'm just amazed that people didn't (and some still don't) see just how bad Dean's decision was. I truly don't believe I am using hyperbole with this comment, but I would argue that Dean's failure to buyout Richards contract is one of the five worst moves by a GM this decade. Would love to have an intelligent debate if anyone wants to argue with me, I am just struggling to think of moves that have a chance to have such an adverse effect on a team for perhaps a decade.

 

[Captain Mittens*]

Kudos then.

You are at least open to idea that Richards can change his game. I don't think he will ever shoot like Williams can.

He is more of a passer.

He used to have an awesome shot



I still think/hope this is a confidence issue

 

[Herby]

not sure who you are talking about but I could definitely see some of my posts coming off that way.
i simply still do not understand it yet. i like the look of the team with him in the bottom six over a couple of the current guys

I guess you do feel that way, but you seem to think he is just better than those bottom six guys. I was more referring to the posters who refuse to put any of this on MR's shoulders and would rather blame everyone else.

Last year it was concussions, linemates and viral infections that caused the collapse. This year it's Sutter.

He used to have an awesome shot



I still think/hope this is a confidence issue

The 1:20 mark of the video is the perfect example of how bad the game has fallen off, that is the Richards I will think of from Philly. It's not a confidence issue that he can't do that, he physically can't.

 

[KINGS17]

He used to have an awesome shot



I still think/hope this is a confidence issue

I dunno, it is rumored that he has shoulder problems now. That would impact the effectiveness of his shot if true.

 

[damacles1156]

I'm obviously open to the idea of him at wing, it may be his only chance to get back to the NHL and if he plays well maybe the Kings only have to retain 2m and not 3m.

Even then, there is still way more negatives to MR's game than positives and I just see zero chance that he is back with the Kings next season at that astronomical cap hit. I think if Dean can't get anyone to take him without retaining a ton of money over the next five years that he opts for the buy out. Years 4 and 5 would be the big challenge but I think having a $1.8 of dead cap for 8 seasons is better than having a fringe NHL player taking up $5.75 for the next five years. You can work around a shade under 2, you can't work around a shade under 6, it's just not realistic.

As you know, I have not, unlike some here tooted my own horn about being right about this whole Richards situation, but I truly am shocked that some very smart people on this board tried to argue that his cap hit was not a big deal and that the Kings could make it work. This cap hit is completely devastating for the Kings chances the next couple of years and I'm just amazed that people didn't (and some still don't) see just how bad Dean's decision was. I truly don't believe I am using hyperbole with this comment, but I would argue that Dean's failure to buyout Richards contract is one of the five worst moves by a GM this decade. Would love to have an intelligent debate if anyone wants to argue with me, I am just struggling to think of moves that have a chance to have such an adverse effect on a team for perhaps a decade.

Lombardi has done worse,

Quick's contract is going to be problem if he continues this sub 900.SV play into his 30's. Quick is passed his production prime he is 29 years of age.

Brown contracts is worse than Richards, Brown is at least still useful on the ice, but how long with that be ok with sup par production ?

Kopitar's upcoming contract extension...Will be interesting.

The bottom six needs a complete revamp, and Lombardi is already talking about resigning Clifford (a guy that is a problem with bottom six production)

Lombardi made brilliant moves to land two cups, but it seems he has bungled the aftermath of those two cups.

 

[Herby]

Lombardi has done worse,

Quick's contract is going to be problem if he continues this sub 900.SV play into his 30's. Quick is passed his production prime his 29 years of age.

Brown contracts is worse than Richards, Brown is at least still useful on the ice, but how long with that be ok with sup par production ?

Kopitar's upcoming contract extension...Will be interesting.

Not even close, not even in the ballpark.

Quick's extension was him coming off a Conn Smythe and being one of the top goalies in the league.

Brown's extension was signed in July 2013. In 2012 Brown captained the Kings to the Stanley Cup and followed it up with an 18 goal in 46 game performance.

Richards was coming off a second half of the season where he was unquestionably one of the worst players on the ice night in and night out. His offensive stats were in the toilet, he wasn't physical and his defensive metrics showed him to be the worst defensive forward on the team for a second straight season. Dean sticking with that contract defied any kind of reason and logic. Easily his worst move as GM of the Kings.

 

[Johnny Utah]

The NHL has passed Richards' by. The modern game is built for speed and size and Richards' has neither. He became in a star in the Eastern Conference back when days when guys like Riley Cote were every day players.

Look at Dustin Penner. Out of a job.

2 of the 3 players on the Kings 2012 cup winning second line are out of the NHL...and there is a reason for both...I don't think I need say it again. Both can't skate and aren't winning any fitness competitions. You can't hit or back check if you can't keep up.

 

[damacles1156]

Not even close, not even in the ballpark.

Quick's extension was him coming off a Conn Smythe and being one of the top goalies in the league.

Brown's extension was signed in July 2013. In 2012 Brown captained the Kings to the Stanley Cup and followed it up with an 18 goal in 46 game performance.

Richards was coming off a second half of the season where he was unquestionably one of the worst players on the ice night in and night out. His offensive stats were in the toilet, he wasn't physical and his defensive metrics showed him to be the worst defensive forward on the team for a second straight season. Dean sticking with that contract defied any kind of reason and logic. Easily his worst move as GM of the Kings.

You would have handed Quick ten years ?

You would have signed Brown to that contract ?

If I remember correctly, Kings17 said Lombardi is making a mistake giving Quick Ten years.

He may be right.

Lombardi's decision to buyout Richards (dumb), he should have.

But Lombardi has made worse moves in my mind.

Smyth anybody ? Cloutier ? Crawford ? Those haven't crippled the Kings cap, (He got lucky with Smyth) But they were bungles.

I just don't think Richards is going to cripple the Kings like some folks think.

At some point he will either be bought out (Last resort) or the Kings retain some salary and trade him.

Brown on the other hand. The guy is the Captain, with a worse contract. He is not going to be easy to move if his game goes south.

 

[Herby]

You would have handed Quick ten years ?

You would have signed Brown to that contract ?

If I remember correctly, Kings17 said Lombardi is making a mistake giving Quick Ten years.

He may be right.

I don't know if I would or not. I was not arguing that they were great moves, or even the right moves.

But neither one of them is even close to the disaster that not buying out Richards has become for the Kings.

If the Kings wanted to get rid of Brown or Quick tomorrow Dean could.

 

[kingsfan]

Hockey is a game of mistakes! Rary does a coach view a goal and totally blame the goalie. When major break downs happen and the puck is in the back if the net, there are several things that have taken place before it gets to that point. Sure, save percentages are great, but they are meaningless. Quicks save percentage is being hung out to dry because of the numerous quality scoring chances teams are getting.

When you have a .878 save percentage for an entire month and when your save percentage has fallen every single month since the start of the season, it's not just about him being hung out to dry. His game has gotten worse and worse and he needs to wear that.

Tearing it up? Look at Andreoff's stats in his 7 game Monarch stint. That's tearing it up and he's a rookie making league minimum.

http://www.hockeydb.com/ihdb/stats/pdisplay.php?pid=106790

And in 12 NHL games Andreoff has how many points?

Congrats, he can be the Travis Morin of the AHL, whoppity ****ing do.

You would have handed Quick ten years ?

You would have signed Brown to that contract ?

If I remember correctly, Kings17 said Lombardi is making a mistake giving Quick Ten years.

He may be right.

Lombardi's decision to buyout Richards (dumb), he should have.

But Lombardi has made worse moves in my mind.

Smyth anybody ? Cloutier ? Crawford ?

i would have given Quick ten years. I wouldn't have given Brown the years or the dollars though.

And I mean really, name a GM that hasn't made mistakes, big ones. People say Ken holland is a brilliant GM, I'm sure there are some pretty bad deals in his closet. Lou Lameriello since the salary cap cam into play has been average at best.

 

[damacles1156]

When you have a .878 save percentage for an entire month and when your save percentage has fallen every single month since the start of the season, it's not just about him being hung out to dry. His game has gotten worse and worse and he needs to wear that.



And in 12 NHL games Andreoff has how many points?

Congrats, he can be the Travis Morin of the AHL, whoppity ****ing do.



i would have given Quick ten years. I wouldn't have given Brown the years or the dollars though.

And I mean really, name a GM that hasn't made mistakes, big ones. People say Ken holland is a brilliant GM, I'm sure there are some pretty bad deals in his closet. Lou Lameriello since the salary cap cam into play has been average at best.

I agree GM's make mistakes, they happen. Even the best one's

 

[KINGS17]

You would have handed Quick ten years ?

If I remember correctly, Kings17 said Lombardi is making a mistake giving Quick Ten years.

He may be right.

Hated the term, loved the cap hit. For it to work Quick must either be traded at some point, or he remains on the club as a backup with a very good and cheap young goalie carrying the load, or he shocks the world and is outstanding past his mid-thirties.

 

[Raccoon Jesus]

Oh lord, I hope this isn't one of those things where we get to 2017 and this board collectively thinks DL sucks.

DL did what he could to bring us a championship team and though he believes in the future I don't think ANYONE expects Brown/Gaborik/Quick to be elite at the end of their contracts. Keep some perspective, people.

 

[damacles1156]

Not asking for Elite, asking for career average production.

Of which Brown/Quick are below this season. Brown two seasons in a row now.

It's the same argument people are having with Richards. People don't expect Richards to be Elite.

But we would hope the guy would put up a decent chunk of his career average of 50 to 60 points.

Richards is probably not capable, it is what it is.

May be the same for Brown/Quick.