Filed under: Stars, Trade Deadline
Talk about being stuck between a rock and a hard place.
The rock is Brad Richards, a rock-solid player, in terms of ability but not necessarily health. The hard place is Dallas, and Stars general manager Joe Nieuwendyk (photo right) is the man caught in the middle. As the trading deadline approaches, he is doomed if he does and almost doomed if he doesn’t trade his superstar center.
If Nieuwendyk keeps Richards, he risks losing him for nothing to unrestricted free agency in July. After paying Richards millions and building the franchise around the Murray Harbour, P.E.I., native in recent seasons, the financially-strapped stars need to get something for him in order to remain competitive — and financially-appealing while they are in the process of being sold.
On the other hand, if Nieuwendyk decides to move the superstar center, he could jeopardize the Stars’ flickering playoff hopes — presuming Richards can recover from his concussion in time. Another angle not widely considered: Nieuwendyk risks permanently disrupting his dynamic duo of Richards and Loui Eriksson, who were thriving as linemates before the center was concussed.
Richards considers himself and Richards to be two like-minded players who really think the game through. The chance to keep playing alongside Eriksson could sway his decision to stay in Dallas. Eriksson has also become one of the NHL’s top scorers this season and might not be the same without Richards.
Nieuwendyk has stated repeatedly that he wants to keep Richards, but he also made it known recently that he will consider trade offers. It’s only prudent – and safe – for a GM to consider both options. The salary cap is not really an issue right now, because Nieuwendyk has ample space, and he cleared more room by trading young forward James Neal to Pittsburgh.
He’s cool, calm and collected — and his team is winning on a regular basis.
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