Confirmed with Link: Mike Richards 1 Year 1$M [mod note: posts 55 & 140]

[coyote]

Lata

funny Trotz says he doesn't expect Richards to score but on the other hand takes Lata out of the lineup because he isn't scoring ????????

 

[Dr John Carlson]

Latta doesn't do any penalty killing, and isn't particularly defensive-minded.

 

[txpd]

The Caps got Richards because they were not satisfied with Latta by all indications. When they moved Beagle to 3C, that opened up 4C for Latta and with the exception of the occasional fight, he hasn't really stepped up. Richards is good on face offs. He is an accomplished checker and faceoff man. End of games now Trotz sends out Richards in Ov's spot for late d zone faceoffs. Latta didn't improve enough to keep his spot.

 

[Calicaps]

The Caps got Richards because they were not satisfied with Latta by all indications. When they moved Beagle to 3C, that opened up 4C for Latta and with the exception of the occasional fight, he hasn't really stepped up. Richards is good on face offs. He is an accomplished checker and faceoff man. End of games now Trotz sends out Richards in Ov's spot for late d zone faceoffs. Latta didn't improve enough to keep his spot.

This rings true. I have been disappointed in Latta. And I think now with the emergence of Mojo at 3C, when Beagle finally comes back, his time with the Caps could be over. I could even see him possibly being a small trade piece.

 

[coyote]

The problem come playoff time we need his grit without him we only have Wilson

 

[AlexBrovechkin8]

By all indications, Latta is a terrific teammate. That's about the best thing I can say about him right now. I was higher on him than most but he had a few golden opportunities this year to step up and prove he deserves more ice time and he hasn't done it.

 

[txpd]

The problem come playoff time we need his grit without him we only have Wilson

Richards is not lacking in playoff grit at all. Neither are Chimera or Beagle so far as that goes. Orpik probably brings more playoff style grit than even Wilson.

 

[twabby]

Latta seems like a very useful 4th liner to me. Don't mind him playing at all, he's not a liability out there and he actually has a little scoring touch.

 

[Alexander the Gr8]

Latta has surprisingly good hands. I've seen him deke around a few guys in the neutral zone. At least he doesn't handle the puck like a grenade.

 

[Raikkonen]

Latta has surprisingly good hands. I've seen him deke around a few guys in the neutral zone. At least he doesn't handle the puck like a grenade.

I think his biggest problem is still his footspeed. When Beagle started training with that power skating coach he became useful player and got a place in the lineup eventually. And I think Beags was already 26 or smth at the time.

 

[Alexander the Gr8]

I think his biggest problem is still his footspeed. When Beagle started training with that power skating coach he became useful player and got a place in the lineup eventually. And I think Beags was already 26 or smth at the time.

Latta is 24, plenty of time for him to work on his game and improve. He could be a decent 3rd line player.

 

[trick9]

Latta is 24, plenty of time for him to work on his game and improve. He could be a decent 3rd line player.

Ironically enough Michael Latta was said to have Mike Richards (then 40-point 3C) ceiling when that Forsberg trade happened. Now it's very likely that those 2 end up fighting for the last spot if everyone stays healthy.

 

[zappa4ever]

obv. MR10's speed/quickness is an issue
but his defensive hockey IQ is still VERY strong, anticipates well, good physical play, good on faceoffs, gets some steals
offensive instincts have been a little rough, but he's getting chances here and there, hoping he pots 1 to get the juices flowing
fortunately they didn't bring him in for offense, but yeah, more than zero would be nice

 

[artilector]

Right now, Latta does not have any impact on games. But he's serviceable, cheap, and young -- so, fine to keep until he develops, or is surpassed, or some other team wants him in a deal for a player you like...

He definitely needs much better wheels to become useful. Apparently, Trotz told him that much and Latta worked on it in the summer. I don't see any effects, though, maybe it's not in the cards...

 

[txpd]

there are hungry guys in Hershey that want that roster spot. Stephenson not least among them. Barber too. If Johansson locks in at center then Latta's slot opens up to a pure winger too.

 

[Skrudland2Lomakin]

Latte isn't going to give you any significant return. He's cheap, he's young, at times he shows promise. A guy like Richards might not have anything left in the tank next season, or ask for more than we're willing to pay. Just hold onto Latta for a bit longer, no harm in it.

 

[moosehead81]

Charges against Mike Richards were stayed today in a Manitoba court- insufficient evidence. Go to http://www.winnipegfreepress.com/sp...-drug-possession-charge-stayed-369979641.html Seems like the whole issue was much ado about nothing as many of us thought.

 

[hockeykicker]

Charges against Mike Richards were stayed today in a Manitoba court- insufficient evidence. Go to http://www.winnipegfreepress.com/sp...-drug-possession-charge-stayed-369979641.html Seems like the whole issue was much ado about nothing as many of us thought.

Surprise? Lol

 

[ALLCAPSALLTHETIME]

Charges against Mike Richards were stayed today in a Manitoba court- insufficient evidence. Go to http://www.winnipegfreepress.com/sp...-drug-possession-charge-stayed-369979641.html Seems like the whole issue was much ado about nothing as many of us thought.

Good news!

 

[HecticGlow]

Having watched Richards at 3C for six playoff games, where should he be in the lineup going forwards?

I was very surprised at his faceoff percentage this series, often behind that of Backstrom and 0-10 in game 6 (whereas Beagle, who took more faceoffs than Richards, was well above 50%). No doubting Richards' defensive abilities and PK role, though, where he really shines.

I just don't see enough offensive ability there to warrant him playing 3C over Mojo and Beagle. Do his checking and physical abilities outweigh his offence-neutering tendencies in earning him 3C?

 

[RandyHolt]

I prefer Richards on 4, especially if he keeps up the hitting. 18 hits good for 4th in the series surprised me.

 

[stanleycaps18]

4th line and a gamer. Was a good pick up and he is doing everything I could have imagined.

 

[Midnight Judges]

Richards is a very smart player and he's using it out there. He is not fast though, that's for sure.

 

[Hivemind]

He's an effective PKer and he still gives 100%, but there's nothing left offensively. Pretty much a better version of Jeff Halpern's second stint on the team.

 

[HecticGlow]

In a sense then he's super Brooks Laich.

Hopefully the lack of offensive output will help keep his salary ask down in the offseason.