Rangers won't buy out Brad Richards

[truebluefan]

Brad Richards will return to Broadway.

The New York Rangers announced Friday afternoon that they will not be using their one remaining compliance buyout this summer, ending weeks of speculation that Richards might be bought out.

The 33-year-old center struggled this season and was benched for the final two games of the Rangers' second-round series loss to the Bruins during the playoffs.

 

[cagedlion]

I am still not sure if this was the correct move. My feelings are that
Richards showed his true colors this past year. How drastic will he change?
He's more of a liability than reliable. He will have much to prove.
If he fails, he will be gone. If not, the Rangers have a viable player.

 

[Puckmeat]

Exactly that, Cagedlion. I feel like they should have bought him out, but I'm ok with giving him another year. If his play is poor, then just bench him so he doesn't get hurt.

 

[Ranger71]

Either way he's going to be gone after next year, they won't hang onto that salary for decreasing production. They 99.3% surely will utilize that buyout on him. I thought they should've this year and used that extra space more wisely but if he at least improves 30% more, one more year is livable.

 

[Puckmeat]

Very true, and he's capable of doing that. I think it'll be better to buy him out next year, we're all ready getting a new coach, no need to stir up the roster so much as well. I really think that just about everyone will be better with AV, if only because the Torts show had just worn so thin.

 

[dumpstralmannow]

I think Richards is a proud player. IMO, he clearly didn't do crap over the off-season. His skating was very slow. However, I'm not going to say he can't come back to a high level. He's got a great track record.