Speculation: Will Richards Be A King Come Next Season?

[Whiskeypete]

i am in the minority and say be gets bought out. i say this looking at it only from a financial versus performance standpoint.

Richie is one of my favorite players (back to his PHI days), but looking at this merely from a risk vs reward situation I can't see Dean committing to that contract.

not when there are prospect C's ready to move up from MAN. not when Carter has emerged now as a very viable #2C with the kids.

keeping and committing to Mike will greatly impact what Dean can and can't do down the road.

do i think Mike can rebound and be better next season if he returns? yes, but can he return to even 60-80% of the player he once was for the next X years? that is the major question

 

[Buddy The Elf]

do i think Mike can rebound and be better next season if he returns? yes, but can he return to even 60-80% of the player he once was for the next X years? that is the major question

And it is a valid question. I don't think anyone in here is dismissing the drop off in his play. There are so many variables involved and one concern (regardless of how silly it is) would be what kind of impact it would have on Jeff Carter? Maybe Richards is dealing with an injury or injuries? Maybe his dog died? The truth is, we don't know all of the story. We're looking at this in a vacuum.

Throw out all of the number crunching for a second and talk subjectively for a second. The Kings are in their second Cup finals in three years. Do we really think the GM of this team is going to jettison a player he has coveted since before he was acquired? My guess is DL has contemplated a lot of this and has a game plan in place. We might as well watch and see what happens in the finals and let the big man in charge make the call. The guy built this team.

It is funny to me to watch people question what decisions DL hasn't even made yet. There were many people around here lamenting the Robyn Regher signing from last year. ****, I even questioned the Defensive personnel before this season. I called this season a "wasted season" at the beginning of the year because I didn't like the D corps we had. I thought the Cap going down really screwed the Kings. The Kings won the friggin Jennings trophy. Shows how much I know versus the man in charge. I'm not saying people shouldn't have an opinion on the matter. That is fine. I just think it is funny that there always has to be a scapegoat for something. There is always some falling off point that we must avoid. This whole Richards albatross contract thing is just another one of them. And it is funny that has remained a topic right through the start of the Stanley Cup final.

If history is any indicator and the Kings win the Cup, look at every guy who wants to be in LA returning next season. Bank it. I don't care what advanced stats say about the guy or what impending accounting nightmare needs to be avoided. If it really is as bad as some of the people are saying, I think DL will address it.

 

[damacles1156]

The Two (Free Buyout's) end July 1st(If I am correct), so I have no doubt that Lombardi won't be using one of those on Mike Richards.

It's just too soon, especially if the Kings win the Cup. Mike Richards will be on the roster come October 2014. I believe Lombardi will give Richards another season.

 

[The Tikkanen]

And it is a valid question. I don't think anyone in here is dismissing the drop off in his play. There are so many variables involved and one concern (regardless of how silly it is) would be what kind of impact it would have on Jeff Carter? Maybe Richards is dealing with an injury or injuries? Maybe his dog died? The truth is, we don't know all of the story. We're looking at this in a vacuum.

Throw out all of the number crunching for a second and talk subjectively for a second. The Kings are in their second Cup finals in three years. Do we really think the GM of this team is going to jettison a player he has coveted since before he was acquired? My guess is DL has contemplated a lot of this and has a game plan in place. We might as well watch and see what happens in the finals and let the big man in charge make the call. The guy built this team.

It is funny to me to watch people question what decisions DL hasn't even made yet. There were many people around here lamenting the Robyn Regher signing from last year. ****, I even questioned the Defensive personnel before this season. I called this season a "wasted season" at the beginning of the year because I didn't like the D corps we had. I thought the Cap going down really screwed the Kings. The Kings won the friggin Jennings trophy. Shows how much I know versus the man in charge. I'm not saying people shouldn't have an opinion on the matter. That is fine. I just think it is funny that there always has to be a scapegoat for something. There is always some falling off point that we must avoid. This whole Richards albatross contract thing is just another one of them. And it is funny that has remained a topic right through the start of the Stanley Cup final.

If history is any indicator and the Kings win the Cup, look at every guy who wants to be in LA returning next season. Bank it. I don't care what advanced stats say about the guy or what impending accounting nightmare needs to be avoided. If it really is as bad as some of the people are saying, I think DL will address it.

That's why I think he'll be bought out. Is he hurt? Is he just not the same player since he got concussed? Does he not train in the offseason? Does his diet consist of boxed foods and soda? I have yet to see one solid explanation as to why his play has just dropped off a cliff. This does happen in pro sports quite often, guys have a couple of good years and then they disappear. I think there should be at least one team out there who needs a winner like Richards and quite a few teams have a lot of money to spend but no free agents are lining up to go there like Buffalo. He's one of my favorite King players but it's painful sometimes watching him take long, winding loops to get back into the play or the puck just bouncing off his stick. Has he lost his mojo?

 

[Johnny Utah]

At this point Richards is a soft 4th line center making 5 million.

If Umberger can get moved, I assume Richards can and RJ didn't have that bad of a year in Columbus. He has asked for a trade because of his ice time.

http://www.hockeydb.com/ihdb/stats/pdisplay.php?pid=54470

http://www.hockeydb.com/ihdb/stats/pdisplay.php?pid=59738

 

[KingKopitar11*]

I know Lombardi is super hung on to vets, especially with Richards status.

With that said, it's off to the pastures with Richards. Mediocre playoffs. He's just not gonna cut it. His head just seems totally off. Even with the puck he makes some really really sloppy plays. Think the concussions have really really messed him up and that's brutal for him. Even he should consider maybe retiring before something else happens.


Looking at Richards, I'm glad Brown doesn't fight.

 

[LAKings88]

I think/hope he is injured and can bounce back. I can't see him being bought out even if it may be the smart thing to do.

3 wcf and 2 scf in 3 years he has been on the team.

I wish LA could restructure his contract tho.

 

[Buddy The Elf]

That's why I think he'll be bought out. Is he hurt? Is he just not the same player since he got concussed? Does he not train in the offseason? Does his diet consist of boxed foods and soda? I have yet to see one solid explanation as to why his play has just dropped off a cliff. This does happen in pro sports quite often, guys have a couple of good years and then they disappear. I think there should be at least one team out there who needs a winner like Richards and quite a few teams have a lot of money to spend but no free agents are lining up to go there like Buffalo. He's one of my favorite King players but it's painful sometimes watching him take long, winding loops to get back into the play or the puck just bouncing off his stick. Has he lost his mojo?

I too think he has value to another team. And I also have been cringing at watching him flub pucks for the whole season. I may not have been posting it ad naseum like Herby but I'm sure some of my friends can attest to my disdain for his lack of foot speed and his seemingly slow decision making.

I think he will get another year minimally. If his game continues to slide, DL may be in a tough spot trying to move him but he seems too glued to "his guys" to just kick him off the boat weeks after appearing (and possibly winning) in another Stanley Cup final.

 

[LB]

I'm a Richards fan and value what he brings to a team. However he's no longer the player he once was and just isn't worth $5.75 mil for 6 more years. At $3 mil per year, he would be a great fit under the salary cap structure, but that's not the contract he has.
The other thing to keep in mind is that this summer is the last chance to use the compliance buy-out. Those of you saying to give him one more year - they won't be able to do this next summer without a hefty penalty against the cap.

If Lombardi does decide to part ways with him, I hope he at least finds a willing trade partner, so that this buy-out business doesn't come into play.

 

[Jtown]

will the kings have enough money to sign gaborik. Imo if it comes to keeping richards or letting gaborik go its going to be an easy decision for dean.

 

[Reaper45]

Let's be honest here, IF Lombardi decides to move him, teams like Buffalo and co will be lining up to nab him, and not for cheap either. It wont recoop Schenn and Simmonds, but it'll be better than when we dealt Smyth.

 

[Reclamation Project]

Let's be honest here, IF Lombardi decides to move him, teams like Buffalo and co will be lining up to nab him, and not for cheap either. It wont recoop Schenn and Simmonds, but it'll be better than when we dealt Smyth.

Been saying this since December.

 

[HYORI 1963]

I don't see Lombardi breaking up the team chemistry on this team.

 

[Ziggy Stardust]

Made the play to help win this game in OT. The line changes seemed to benefit Richards.

 

[johnjm22]

If it comes down to it, I think DL would move VV to free up cap space before he would move MR.

 

[CowMix]

I don't see Lombardi breaking up the team chemistry on this team.

I agree with this. Richards is a big voice in the room and a leader on this team, there's no way DL will mess with it unless they miss the playoffs.

 

[Clown Baby*]

will the kings have enough money to sign gaborik. Imo if it comes to keeping richards or letting gaborik go its going to be an easy decision for dean.

Any team dumb enough to sign Gaborik after a single post-season deserves what they get. And at his age, and with his injury history, it isn't going to be a pot of gold. It's going to be a one-dimensional winger without that one dimension.

 

[regulate]

i am in the minority and say be gets bought out. i say this looking at it only from a financial versus performance standpoint.

There is zero chance this happens. In fact, less than zero. Why can't this meaningless, speculative thread just die. There is a better chance of me hitting the lottery than this happening. This is why this team is not built on performance vs money, but skill, determination, leadership and teamwork. That's exactly how Sutter and Lombardi want it. Fans are myopic. They really are. Sorry, I'm not taking a shot at you personally, but everyone needs to look at the big picture here.

 

[Trolfoli]

Let's be honest here, IF Lombardi decides to move him, teams like Buffalo and co will be lining up to nab him, and not for cheap either. It wont recoop Schenn and Simmonds, but it'll be better than when we dealt Smyth.

For all the, "but that contract" people. Say you are a GM for a team that has trouble attracting UFA's and need some centers. Sure UFA's out there Stastny would be amazing but that's only 1 team getting him. After that there aren't a lot of UFA centers available.. Ott maybe (did he resign?) Legwand... So now you look for a trade... C's with rumors recently are Speeza, Thornton, maybe one of the Staals from Carolina. Most of the established 1/2 Centers out there have some from of NTC. So if you are a team that can't get a good UFA there's a good chance you are on the NTC list. That leaves Gagner (NTC kicks in July1) maybe Kadri.... A team that has trouble getting guys to sign would be all over Richards (if the Kings move him) 1 because he doesn't have a NTC, and he is signed a long time.

Then there is plenty of money to bring the same team back next year. Keeping Richards and betting on a proven winner to recover wouldn't upset me.

edit: adding Prokhorkin on an ELC and Moller on a cheap prove it, help the Kings cap for 2 years, and showcase your abilities for free agency would put this team over the top!... wait

 

[HYORI 1963]

i am in the minority and say be gets bought out. i say this looking at it only from a financial versus performance standpoint.

Richie is one of my favorite players (back to his PHI days), but looking at this merely from a risk vs reward situation I can't see Dean committing to that contract.

not when there are prospect C's ready to move up from MAN. not when Carter has emerged now as a very viable #2C with the kids.

keeping and committing to Mike will greatly impact what Dean can and can't do down the road.

do i think Mike can rebound and be better next season if he returns? yes, but can he return to even 60-80% of the player he once was for the next X years? that is the major question

Are you saying that Lombardi will buy him out, or that he should buy him out?

 

[Trolfoli]

Any team dumb enough to sign Gaborik after a single post-season deserves what they get. And at his age, and with his injury history, it isn't going to be a pot of gold. It's going to be a one-dimensional winger without that one dimension.

Yeah I'm still pissed the Kings gave up so much for Gaborik. He is so one dimensional. Kings would be stupid to resign the guy leading the NHL in playoff goals.

 

[SLang]

Made the play to help win this game in OT. The line changes seemed to benefit Richards.

Damn straight. Without Richards tonight, Doughty doesn't get that beautiful tying goal because Richards ties up the D's stick, and Williams doesn't get the OT GW goal. Watch the play. Richards wants a change, but recognizes that the puck didn't get in deep, so he changes his mind, stays out, and ends up in perfect position to receive the turnover pass and feed Williams for the goal.

Yes, by all means, buy him out or trade him.

 

[Reclamation Project]

Any team dumb enough to sign Gaborik after a single post-season deserves what they get. And at his age, and with his injury history, it isn't going to be a pot of gold. It's going to be a one-dimensional winger without that one dimension.

Nope.

Gaborik - Kopitar - Brown when firing on all cylinders is as good of a top line in the NHL. Bar none.

***

The deeper the Kings go, the less likely Richards is to be traded.

 

[HYORI 1963]

Damn straight. Without Richards tonight, Doughty doesn't get that beautiful tying goal because Richards ties up the D's stick, and Williams doesn't get the OT GW goal. Watch the play. Richards wants a change, but recognizes that the puck didn't get in deep, so he changes his mind, stays out, and ends up in perfect position to receive the turnover pass and feed Williams for the goal.

Yes, by all means, buy him out or trade him.

Well, that's just it though...you don't judge him because of just one good game. How about if he has 20 bad games? And believe me, I don't think Richards gets moved, but judging him based on tonight's game is not really looking at the bigger picture.

 

[Ziggy Stardust]

Damn straight. Without Richards tonight, Doughty doesn't get that beautiful tying goal because Richards ties up the D's stick, and Williams doesn't get the OT GW goal. Watch the play. Richards wants a change, but recognizes that the puck didn't get in deep, so he changes his mind, stays out, and ends up in perfect position to receive the turnover pass and feed Williams for the goal.

Yes, by all means, buy him out or trade him.

To add to that, he even started the breakout that gave the Kings the rush to attack the Rangers, which forced them to make an error and he was at the right place at the right time to gather the puck and feed a pass to an open Justin Williams.

That's a big play from a big game player. Naturally, he shows what he has left in the tank when he's playing with linemates of that caliber. I mean, it's hard for him to turn Trevor Lewis into a scoring machine when you look at all of the grand opportunities the man squanders.