A collection of Brad Richards free agent rumors.
July 2nd:
- Darren Dreger via twitter: There are no guarantees, but there is a sense that Richards could come to a decision before noon.
- Darren Dreger via twitter: The Rangers may still be the front-runners, but the Flames are in the hunt. Jarome Iginla was believed to be involved with the Flames offer. Flames travel schedule could be a negative for Richards.
- Bob McKenzie via twitter: McKenzie thinks the Rangers are the favorite to land Richards, and would put the Flames ahead of the Maple Leafs and Kings.
- Bob McKenzie via twitter: “Let’s say CGY offers $64M for 9 years, or cap hit of about $7M. But if last 3 yrs are “bogus” it could end up being 6 yrs for about $60M.”
- Darren Dreger via twitter: The Flames currently have 20 players under contract for $58 million, and only 5 defenseman signed. If Richards signs with them, Dreger thinks Niklas Hagman could be sent to the AHL.
- Helene Elliott of the LA Times: The Kings presentation to Richards included a video with appeals from Wayne Gretzky and Kobe Bryant. They offered a front-loaded 9 year deal worth nearly $60 million. Richards said last night he’s narrowed it down to 4 teams, the Kings, Rangers, Flames and Maple Leafs. The Kings sent an 8 man delegation to meet with Richards.
- John Vogl of the Buffalo Sabres: The Sabres on Richards,
“We had plans to go up to Mississauga to meet with him,” Regier said. “As the day progressed and even with the number of clubs that were in line to speak with Newport Sports, we really got into a time pressure situation where we had to make a decision. We felt very strongly about Ville, and we felt that it was important to make sure we didn’t allow a quality player like him to slip by us.
“He was someone that we identified early, moved him to the top of the list.”
July 1st:
8:30 pm:
- Larry Brooks via twitter: Source saying Rangers didn’t deliver the highest bid but are still in it.
- Tony Ambrogio via twitter: Don’t expect a decision from Brad Richards anytime soon.
- Erik Erlensson via twitter: Tampa Bay is out of the running for Richards according to GM Steve Yzerman.
- Dustin Leed via twitter: Flyers GM Paul Holmgren spoke with Richards agent a few times today.
- Jesse Spector via twitter: A source is saying the Calgary Flames offered Richards a 9 year deal worth $64 million. Another source said “He won’t go there.”
- Darren Dreger via twitter: Source saying Flames made a big pitch for Richards. Flyers in as well.
- Anthony San Filippo via twitter: “Would it be ridiculous to suggest the Flyers are still in on Brad Richards?” Sam Carchidi via twitter: The Flyers could only go after Brad Richards if they unloaded some salary.
- Scott Burnside via twitter: Have to figure the Sabres are out Richards sweepstakes after they signed Ville Leino.
- Gord Miller via twitter: NY Rangers officials are confident they will land Richards. Have lost of cap space, open center spot and coach John Tortorella.
9:00 am:
- Damian Cristodero via twitter: The Lightning are interested in Brad Richards, though it’s a long shot and he’d have to take below market value.
- Larry Brooks of the NY Post: If Brad Richards is looking to the get the most money, it likely won’t be from the NY Rangers. The Rangers, Maple Leafs, Lightning, Kings, Flyers and Sabres could be interested in signing Richards. The Rangers could offer a front loaded 6 year deal in the $7 million range. If it’s going to take a 8-9 year deal in the $55-60 range the Rangers may be better to stay away. The Sabres could be preparing to offer something larger. Pat Morris (Richards agent) implied that a deal may not get done today.
- Jesse Spector of the NY Daily News: The Rangers are said to be the favorites to sign Richards.
June 30th:
- Tim Sassone of the Daily Herald: Though it’s believed that Richards will sign with the Rangers or Lightning, Blackhawks GM Stan Bowman will at least look at the cost to sign Richards. One reports is saying that Richards is looking for a 5 year, $35 million deal. Richards agent, Pat Morris, went on a Buffalo radio station and said that Richards wants an opportunity to win, and would he wouldn’t be surprised if 25 teams called on Friday.
- Chris Botta via twitter: Botta thinks the maximum bid the Rangers would give to Brad Richards is 6 years and $42 million.
- Andy Strickland via twitter: Richards is telling people he’s narrowed his decision down to a few teams.
June 29th:
- Mike Zeisberger of the Toronto Sun: The Maple Leafs will have to compete with the Rangers, Flyers, and the Lightning for Brad Richards.
“If the Lightning is going to talk to me, I’m going to listen, for sure,” Richards told the St. Petersburg Times. “I’m not going to waste their time, but if they want to talk to me and be serious, it’s going to be a team that catches my attention.”
Even if it means taking one of those “home team discounts?”
Ownership stability is a must for Richards, and a long-term deal in a location he chooses and not someone else.
- The Bergen Record: The Rangers may be reluctant to offer Richards an 8 year contract that Richards may be seeking.