Rangers Will Get Richards

Leading up to today, there has been rampant speculation that Brad Richards will be traded.

More recently, the list of teams has dwindled from “a Pacific Division team” (Los Angeles) and a “team in the Atlantic” [New York Rangers].

As recently as yesterday that the market had been cornered and a rumor out of the Richards camp that he’ll only waive his No Trade Clause to go to the Rangers.

With Richards becoming an Unrestricted Free Agent on July 1st, and looking for a hefty raise that could price himself right out of Dallas, the time for the Stars to move him is now.

On the other side of the potential deal, the Rangers have time on their side. Yes, Rangers General Manager Glen Sather wants to make moves to improve his team today, but he does not NEED to get Richards done. The problem is, and is also the biggest question over Ranger Fans’ heads, does Sather feel he needs Richards now?

I think yes. I think this deal gets done today, but the problem is the closer it gets to the Deadline, the more likely it becomes that Sather does to resort to his old free-wheeling ways and succumbs to Dallas’ high demands.

Currently, the asking price is believed to be Artem Anisimov, a first round pick and another player/pick/prospect. Earlier this morning it was reported that Dallas wanted Anisimov, the 1st and two of the three latter options. Obviously that is an outstandingly high price for a rental, but if Richards wants to stay on Broadway, is willing to deal, and Sather feels he is the final piece of the puzzle to get them to an extended playoff run, look for the deal to be completed.

If he’s not that critical to the Rangers’ post-season blueprint, the July 1st is only 4 months away.