Rumor: Oilers targeting Mike Richards

[nostalrius]

From the Edmonton Journal: http://edmontonjournal.com/sports/h...argeting-mike-richards-but-is-that-a-good-fit

I thought he was pretty much done, but I guess he could be a decent depth option for them down the middle.

Click to read more...

 

[Frank the Tank]

Is the Oilers "targeting" Richards on a PTO really a huge story? McDavid, RNH, and Draisaitl may all miss portions of training camp depending on how they fare in the World Cup so it has been mentioned previously that the Oilers may bring in another center to create competition between him, Letestu, Lander, and any other center trying to break into the NHL.

I think the biggest takeaway from this story is that the Oilers may use Draisaitl at RW in the top-6, which pretty much means Yakupov will not get another shot at a top-6 role and Puljujarvi will either start in the bottom-6 or AHL. That also means that Letestu may be playing above his abilities in the 3rd line center role (unless Lander has a huge comeback year), which will be disappointing to many Oilers fans.

 

[Oscar Acosta]

Any depth I'm happy with, certainly can't do much worse than Lander.

 

[ManofSteel55]

If it pushes Lander, Letestu and Draisaitl to be better, then great. Especially if he has put his issues behind him.

 

[Joey Moss]

Oilers have McDavid, RNH, Draisaitl all at the World Cup so inviting a center to camp makes sense no matter who it is.

 

[Homesick]

I don't see why people are so quick to throw this guy under the bus because it's not like he was out smoking crack at the no-tell-motel. He got addicted to pain killers stemming from injuries.
He didn't have a camp last year and admittedly ran out of gas at the end of the season. He's not a top 6 player anymore but Richards led all Caps forwards in PK TOI and they had a damn good unit

 

[Sam Spade]

Smart player, can't keep up anymore. Zero chance he gets offered a contract.

 

[mattgkg]

they should sign him just so chiarelli can show mcdavid every day how fast you can go from the top to rock bottom if you let yourself start to slide.

 

[Helistin]

That's a tough pill to swallow if he signs with Edmonton.

 

[Stuzchuk]

I would love to see Richards in EDM... he was still somewhat solid last year for a 4th liner/PK specailist

some leadership is welcome at this point in EDM

 

[Joey Moss]

That's a tough pill to swallow if he signs with Edmonton.

How was he in Washington?

 

[KingsHockey24]

Good 4th line center, brings Cup experience, can play on PK.

Wouldn't be a bad move by the Oilers.

 

[Joel Ward]

Man it really pains me to say it as Richie was one of my favourite players for a while, but after seeing him often with the Caps last year - he is done. His skating is hard on the eyes and his shot is horrific (not that it was ever his best attribute). Can't finish to save his life. Maybe you can get away with using him on the 4th line and in pk situations, but other than that...

 

[CantHaveTkachev]

coming in on a PTO wouldn't hurt

doubt he gets a contract though

 

[Barry Amsterdam]

How was he in Washington?

He's not a caps fan. He was great in some areas. Disappointing in others. Amazing PK guy and he's a winner. If you expect him to put up even 15 points you'll be let down

 

[That Habs Fan]

There are only a few teams where Richards would be a good fit, Edmonton is definitely one of them.

Smart move if you ask me.

 

[Gabe Kupari]

That's a tough pill to swallow if he signs with Edmonton.

I see what you did there. Not sure anyone else did tho

 

[nostalrius]

Good 4th line center, brings Cup experience, can play on PK.

Wouldn't be a bad move by the Oilers.

Is he still the king of the 5 on 3 PK?

 

[Homesick]

He's not a caps fan. He was great in some areas. Disappointing in others. Amazing PK guy and he's a winner. If you expect him to put up even 15 points you'll be let down

He's apparently working hard all summer and with a full camp could be a 20+ point 4c

I see what you did there. Not sure anyone else did tho

I did. The two other similar posts were deleted because well, its just not funny and in poor taste

 

[Chayos]

That's a tough pill to swallow if he signs with Edmonton.

Don't worry there are no Borders between Ontario and Alberta!

 

[McArthur]

Don't worry there are no Borders between Ontario and Alberta!

haha

 

[Countrygirl]

If he gets a PTO and does well with it how much do you think he'd sign for? 1 million? or maybe under?

 

[Del Preston]

He can't be any worse than Lander.

The Oilers (and Flames) were in discussions with the Kings at the 2015 draft about Richards before Lombardi learned of the border incident.

 

[McArthur]

I would love to see Richards in EDM... he was still somewhat solid last year for a 4th liner/PK specailist

some leadership is welcome at this point in EDM

then with Gryba healthy, we are one trade away from acquiring enough competition for the top 4,5,6,7 spots in our d-core. Does Reinhart stand a chance???? Stay tuned!

 

[buttman*]

From the Edmonton Journal: http://edmontonjournal.com/sports/h...argeting-mike-richards-but-is-that-a-good-fit

I thought he was pretty much done, but I guess he could be a decent depth option for them down the middle.

Just when you think even the Oilers couldn't ruin McDavid and all that they've been gifted. Let's bring in a guy that has had drug issues at the border to mentor the kids.