Ainsy01
Registered User
- Jun 12, 2014
- 1,187
- 627
Its no secret that Mike Richards has gone out of style in LA. After lengthy buy-out discussions this off-season, that eventually led to him promising Lombardi & Sutter that he would get in shape. Summer has come & gone, 40 games in and he is averaging around 11 minutes a game. He has a huge salary with term left on it.
Posted a similar thread when buy-out rumors were swirling around Richards this summer, 90% of flames fans said he would not be bought out, and the other 10% said they had no interest in him even if he was. Here we are in Calgary, half way through the season, surprising a lot of early season predictions and in the play-off race, with a fat wad of cash.
My question, or questions, are:
1. Is this guy a fit to a rebuilding flames team? He is 29 years old, plays center and has a huge contract that only a handful of teams could take on, Calgary being one.
2. Is the fire out in Mike Richards? The guy has won everything, done everything, made his millions. I am from Mike's home town and used to see him out and about (usually at the bar, pre-philly fiasco, of course), but the last year or so the guys been a recluse. He built a massive gym at his house and hired a trainer, but it doesn't seem to have helped.
3. If the answer to question 1 is yes, and 2 is no, what would his value be?
Gotta think Lombardi is shaking his head at missing the compliance buy-out window on this guy, and is looking to make amends for his decision any-way possible. LA has some ELC's coming off the books and needs to sort this out. Calgary has cap space, but in 3-4 years down the road the young guns and GIO will be looking for hefty raises, while Richards would be on the books until 2019 (5.75 per).
I honestly think he could be had for just about nothing, maybe a few late picks, possibly a mid-grade prospect if salary was retained. The real risk is on the buyer not the seller. (Luongo 2.0?)
Let me know what cha think !
Posted a similar thread when buy-out rumors were swirling around Richards this summer, 90% of flames fans said he would not be bought out, and the other 10% said they had no interest in him even if he was. Here we are in Calgary, half way through the season, surprising a lot of early season predictions and in the play-off race, with a fat wad of cash.
My question, or questions, are:
1. Is this guy a fit to a rebuilding flames team? He is 29 years old, plays center and has a huge contract that only a handful of teams could take on, Calgary being one.
2. Is the fire out in Mike Richards? The guy has won everything, done everything, made his millions. I am from Mike's home town and used to see him out and about (usually at the bar, pre-philly fiasco, of course), but the last year or so the guys been a recluse. He built a massive gym at his house and hired a trainer, but it doesn't seem to have helped.
3. If the answer to question 1 is yes, and 2 is no, what would his value be?
Gotta think Lombardi is shaking his head at missing the compliance buy-out window on this guy, and is looking to make amends for his decision any-way possible. LA has some ELC's coming off the books and needs to sort this out. Calgary has cap space, but in 3-4 years down the road the young guns and GIO will be looking for hefty raises, while Richards would be on the books until 2019 (5.75 per).
I honestly think he could be had for just about nothing, maybe a few late picks, possibly a mid-grade prospect if salary was retained. The real risk is on the buyer not the seller. (Luongo 2.0?)
Let me know what cha think !
) I get that hes a huge talent and will be awesome, but will he be a #2 center his first year? Is Monahan a #1 center this year? On Calgary yes, 25-27 other teams , no. I am optimistic they will be great and lead us to glory blah blah blah.. but if David Jones is playing first line minutes, why couldnt Mike Richards? He has 10 times more experience, he plays center he kills penalties and could quarter back a young explosive powerplay. He could reignite the fire with the flaming C, (that was bad)
