Richards rumor way off the mark

So I get to the media hotel in Columbus, Ohio, for the draft and no sooner do I walk into the media workroom I am hit up by two fellow reporters who want to know if the rumors about Brad Richards are true. Seems an Ottawa newspaper wrote that the Lightning center was on the trading block as the Lightning looks to gain the first pick in Friday's first round.

First of all, it is not true.

From everything I believe I know, the Lightning, with six picks starting with No. 47, has no interest in trading up in what is supposed to be a weak draft. Also, in a season in which Tampa Bay wants to go deep into the playoffs, why would it trade one of its best players for a chance to draft someone who may help it several years down the road? Just doesn't make sense.

But just to be sure, I asked GM Jay Feaster. Funny guy.

Of the article, Feaster said, "It also says it was Rick Dudley that drafted Richards. So the rumor is as good as (the reporter's) reporting skills. Once again, Phil Esposito is getting shafted.''

It was Espo, of course, who drafted Richards in 1998.

   

Comments

[Tim A]

Brad is not going anywhere... he should not be going anywhere for a while. He was the most integral part of the 2004 Stanley Cup run and a Con Smythe trophy winner. He, especially deserves another shot at repeating. He has not been a quitter and his game has only suffered do to the lack of talent placed on his line. Richards is a top notch center and it would take another 6-8 million to replace him. Last season was not indicative of what Richards is capable of, although he had over 60 points on a less than stellar line. Anyone calling for Brad's head at this point doesn't know what they are talking about and don't know hockey talent very well. Without Brad we won't stand a chance in hell of repeating as Stanley Cup champs. Hey fair-weather fans, if you want to trounce someone, trounce someone who hasn't been a star nor ever will be one. I'll gladly support #19 as long as he gives his all for the Bolts as he has always done.

[Sadie]

Thank you Erin!
I think that we need to back off of Brad a little. Lets see what next season brings. I really think that like Marty he will settle down and get things going. We made it to the play offs and we all saw that his lite came on and played well. Id bet 8 million that he has a great season in 07-08'

[Nan]

Well, I have to agree with you somewhat Phrancois, however who is going to buy Richards at that price? Certainly if Richie doesn't have a better year this year, then the 8 mil a year certainly wasn't worth it. Maybe this year?

Meanwhile, Vinny and Marty both didn't have great years either after they resigned but excelled this past year and are now certainly worth what they are getting paid.

8 million dollars says that Richie should be the number one guy on the team and right now he is at best number three. He (wbo some say will be captain some day) doesn't deserve his salary or to be named captain at this point. Richie has his work cut out for him this year and he better perform or else!

[Erin]

Remember how poorly Marty played his first season with a big contract? People were screaming for his head, too.

Brad know full well that he needs to start this season off strong, unlike the past few years. Let's see if he backs that up and really brings it.

Yes, I feel he's overpaid, but there's really nothing you can do about it right now.

I say give him another year (Feaster's working some cap magic this year, I gotta tell ya) and get a DECENT second-line winger to work with him!!!!!

TRADE BRAD!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[Phrancois]

We've all heard the rumors before, and nothing happened. Yet we still delude ourselves to a core issue with our beloved club.

Sorry, but Richie's got to go.

The instant he took the almost $$ EIGHT million $$ fully aware it is THREE more than he's worth, (or more than Ryan Smyth wanted from the Oil...) he took the money that was supposed to be spent on a winger who can bury his gifted set-ups.
Or he took the money that's supposed to be forechecking somebody, or defending.
Brad certainly isn't going to jeopardize himself with such multi-tasking.

Why do these guys throttle back their efforts 30% after getting the deal of the century?
These deals should be based upon a season of merit, eh?

Everybody does this, get the $$ security so their great-granddaughter's boyfriend gets free college, then pull back to avoid injury.
Some other athletes, not here yet, I hope, even feign an injury to only show up during the bright lights and cameras of the playoffs.
I'm off baseball, off basketball, off football, and hockey is the last stand for integrity.

I see two options here in the absence of Brad doing all the things eight million dollars can do for a club.

1. The guy has to go.

2. Re-structure his contract.

Then we'll see about character. Then we'll see that he has to go.
He's not giving it up, nor worth 3 million dollars more to a club than a Ryan Smyth and never will be.

It's a delusion.

I'm not about to tell Shane O'Brien, Richards is ten times the forward that OB is the defenceman. See the folly?

We start next season with both Richie and Marc Denis, then it's over before the first puck drops.
No matter who else gets brought in.

Sorry if I stepped on any toes here.
I did, after all, remove my snowshoes....

[Mike13]

Damian wrote in his article about Denis that Feaster may be trying to package him up with one of the big three. Paragraph 12 in the following article.

http://www.sptimes.com/2007/06/22/Lightning/Denis_likely_isn_t_go.shtml

DC, have you gone nuts on us?

[Joe]

Consider the source. How do some of these reporters maintain any credibility? But, don't be surprised if Feaster has something up his sleeve. He wants in on the early action. There are always deals that can be made, and there are some marketable contracts in his kit. Stand by!

[Dana]

And that reporter is the infamous Bruce Garrioch of the Ottawa Sun. Has he reported on anything that's come true? Highly doubt it.

Nice going again Bruce? :p

[Josh]

If I had a dollar for every time I have to refute a Richards, Lecavalier or St Louis trade rumor on Spectors' site I would truly be a rich man.