All of the negativity towards picking up Richards has made me more interested in looking at the ramifications of a move like this.
If we consider a Raymond for Richards move, then for the next 3 years we are taking on an extra 2,75M a year. If Richards is then bought out of the last 2 years of his contract, we are looking at an additional hit of under 2M for four years after that. The difference in cost will have no baring on our ability to re-sign any players, as we will have rookies on ELC for the first 3 or 4 years playing in our top 9. Money is not an issue.
This would also free up a LW position and add a RW. Richards would fit right into a 3rd line RW spot. I couldn't see him being such an anchor that he couldn't benefit a Jooris/Glencross type of line.
With the compensation being a 1st and a B level defensive prospect like Zykov, I think that I'm more on board than off.
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"By Grabthar's hammer ... what a savings."
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