It's a depth signing. We got caught with our pants down last season at center when Strome, etc. weren't ready. That's why Domi and Nook ended up playing center at times. What if Galchenyuk can't hack it, Strome isn't ready, and Kruger sucks? Let's not repeat last year.
My issue with this deal is Richardson was given a NMC this year and an 8-team NTC next year. The ****?
Agreed, we need C's. The NMC and NTC was part of him signing for less than market value versus taking a 1 year deal and moving. If there was a chance they could trade him this year, he would have taken the 1 year elsewhere for more money, the NMC solves that. In year 2, Richie has been a solid vet in the NHL, good guy in the room, limited NTC, he deserves that. Tocchaka like him as a player, he can fill many rolls. It's 1.25 mill per year, seriously who cares? I don't get the hate on this deal or player
And, Strome will sink or swim on his own, has zero to do with Richardson or Kruger.