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Brad Richards Is Still Employed, No Buyouts Planned This Summer

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This man will be wearing this jersey next season. Well unless he's traded this summer... (Photo: Melissa Andus)

This man will be wearing this jersey next season. Well unless he’s traded this summer… (Photo: Melissa Andus)

To answer my question from Thursday, no the Rangers will not use their last remaining compliance buyout this summer as they announced yesterday that Brad Richards would be remaining with the team and that they wouldn’t be buying anyone else out (not that there was anyone else they were planning to use it on).

So now that it’s happened, how do I feel about it? I still have mixed feelings.

The bad is simple – the contract is horrible. Sure the Rangers can deal with the cap hit this coming season and may even be able to deal with it next season depending on what max becomes. But surprisingly that was never the issue. The issue is the new “cap recapture” portion of the CBA which basically penalizes teams where players retire early on front loaded contracts. I think the rule is absolutely ridiculous but somehow both sides agreed to it so we’re stuck with it. (The contract was legal when signed. The league shouldn’t be able to say “now it’s not so you’re getting punished”.) Richards falls into this category and that’s why everyone felt he had to go. It’s also the reason he still might.

As for the good, I am of the belief that the Richards we saw this season is not the player he is now. Do I think he is the guy who won the Conn Smythe in 2004? No, he’s not that guy either. But he’s better than he was this season. Plus now he has a chip on his shoulder to prove he isn’t done. No one should ever under-estimate an athlete who wants to prove people wrong. I think that mixed with a new coach/style will prove to make this move worthwhile.

The sad part is no matter how the year goes for Richards, I expect the entire season to focus on him being bought out next summer. In fact, it already has begun. Which is ridiculous, if you ask me.

But I’m going to stick to being positive and say that I’m glad he’s back for another year. Now go prove everyone wrong Richie! (And maybe bring us a Cup while you’re at it…)

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