I don't normally do this....but....
It's not about 2011-12, its an 8 YEAR CONTRACT. You seen Florida's future Top 6?
Gagne-Richards-Landeskog
Couturier-B.Schenn-Olesz/Repik/future UFA
This, plus they have Kulikov, Gudbranson and Despres coming up on D, and a future #1 in Markstro who could be almost ready now. This is a sick looking team, and frankly i felt Gagne and Richards are a great fit together (their styles mesh..and they've played for Team Canada before, and i swear they were on the same line in at least one tourney. 2003 maybe?), and having played in TB so long it's a familiar climate...some ppl like not shovelling all this **** snow (I know i would)
Now, i could see a couple other teams having a legit frustration over not getting Richards, but NYR??? Playing with a plethora of young stars vs Marian "Goes on the IR tying his shoes" Gaborik? What if he falters in his later years, will he get the same lynching from Ranger fans/media that Rozi and Redden are getting?? But the main reason is you kept low-balling him the whole way thru, offering the exact minimum to stay in contention while trying to sell that NYR was a 'legit contender' (of which there were better ones offering). Florida actually wanted him.
But everyone sees things their own way I guess. Suffice to say the joke would have been Brad taking a bite out of the Big Apple
EDIT: Also i've cleared my Inbox. A couple guys might sign today but tonight should be another wave of them. Don't delay!
10M is not a lowball offer.
need a 1st line center and will pay a LOT
-C Andy McDonald, C Jori Lehtera, STL 2nd 12
-C Vinny Lecavalier
