Pat 44 Report post Posted July 2, 2011 (edited) Been awhile since I've posted a poll and thread so I wanted to see what you guys thought about the Wings chances of getting Richards. Lets face it, at this point in time there is virtually no defense available on the market that can crack the top four of our team. (Except Kaberle but he still sucks IMO) They had there chance to sign a premier free agent but didn't do it up to this point. I don't think there are many defensemen out there currently that can help this team develop into a Stanley cup contending team, and since you cannot improve the defense much, why not spend on offense? If you can't improve the defense with defensemen, then improve it with a premier forward like Richards. Richards is not much of a two-way player but neither was Marian Hossa when he came to Detroit. When Holland had cap space in 2009, he went out and got the best forward available and we came within one game of winning the cup back to back. I believe the money is gonna start to burn a hole in his pocket and he will ultimately come to his senses and realize this is the only move they can and MUST make to improve this team. At this point of free agency the team has gotten WORSE. Richards will improve any team in the league drastically and would definitely put Detroit back into Cup contention once again. I believe Richards will be Detroit's only chance to improve the team this summer, and with the way Richards has been talking lately he makes it sound like Detroit is a perfect fit. (Brought up organazation issues, and bashed both Dallas and Tampa Bay for this) Feel free to comment with your thoughts Edited July 2, 2011 by Pat Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Drake_Marcus 890 Report post Posted July 2, 2011 LA's reported to have offered a 9 year front-loaded contract worth more than 60 million (I heard 64 mil). A team looking for long-term success would be insane to match that. Also-- Hossa was known as a two-way player loooonnngggg before he came to Detroit. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
dropkickshanahans 463 Report post Posted July 2, 2011 Last I heard Calgary and NYR were the front-runners. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Pat 44 Report post Posted July 2, 2011 LA's reported to have offered a 9 year front-loaded contract worth more than 60 million (I heard 64 mil). A team looking for long-term success would be insane to match that. Also-- Hossa was known as a two-way player loooonnngggg before he came to Detroit. After having a -14 +/-(2007 ATL) and a 0 +/-(PIT), he came to Detroit and had a career high +27. Richards is not much a two way player, but when you play with two of the best Two-way players in the league you start to catch on and start to develop. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
ShanahanMan 473 Report post Posted July 2, 2011 Holland's already stated he's not looking to add any more forwards. So, 0% Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
cjm502 165 Report post Posted July 2, 2011 Holland's already stated he's not looking to add any more forwards. So, 0% I wouldnt say 0%. How many people would have guessed Hossa would be a Wing? I think if Holland had a chance to sign Richards for a reasonable price he would. The issue is that the cost of Richards is going to be inflated. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
jollymania 162 Report post Posted July 2, 2011 the only way we could get him is if we gave him a short but pricey contract, but i would still be opposed to that, instead lets get doughty for a long, expensive contract Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
BigWillieStyle 662 Report post Posted July 2, 2011 After having a -14 +/-(2007 ATL) and a 0 +/-(PIT), he came to Detroit and had a career high +27. So you're using a year in which one player on Atlanta who played more than 20 games (Nick Havelid), was a + player at +2, and 12 games played with Pittsburgh to judge Hossa's ability as a 2-way player? You should have used his first season in the league where he played a whopping 7 games at 18 years old and was a -1, too. Those were the only 2 years that a career +97 player was a minus. But if it helps you prove your point, sure, why not. Nick Lidstrom was a -2 player this year. Nick is lazy, and he sucks!! Interesting note. Brad McCrimmon was the defensive coach for both Nick's and Hossa's - years... Coincidence??? Richards is not much a two way player, but when you play with two of the best Two-way players in the league you start to catch on and start to develop. This is pure speculation on your part. I would bet just the opposite would be true. When you have somebody to CYA, you are generally inclined not to work on that part of your game/life/work/etc... You don't truly learn to swim, until your boat is sinking. As for your poll, not a chance in hell, IMO. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Vladifan 680 Report post Posted July 2, 2011 (edited) Just in case this isn't already posted, there's another team in the mix. Read the numbers and weep/puke. http://prohockeytalk...mes-in-the-mix/ Edited July 2, 2011 by Vladifan Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
RedFX 48 Report post Posted July 2, 2011 Did we even offer him a contract? Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
VM1138 1,921 Report post Posted July 2, 2011 Did we even offer him a contract? I don't think so. Detroit never really popped up in the Richards sweepstakes in any sports articles I read. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
St. Michael (the Red Wing) 422 Report post Posted July 2, 2011 Can't believe Calgary is in the mix. Supposedly they have made an "legitmate" offer. lol. I wouldn't mind us signing him short term but people don't get it. Richards isn't looking to sign a one year two year deal. He wants something long and hefty. So there's 0% chance he signs with us. No one can get it through there heads Richards will not be a Wing. Major pipedreaming Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
SweWings 45 Report post Posted July 2, 2011 I wonder if he'd accept being 2nd fiddle to Datsyuk... Although then Detroit would definitely be able to roll the top two lines as 1A and 1B. He'll never sign with the Wings but it would be interesting Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
rage 24 Report post Posted July 2, 2011 He's a RANGER! Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
