Richards' rights to be acquired by the Leafs by the end of the week?

[Phil The Thrill]

"The Stars have not asked Brad to waive his no-trade clause, and at this point in time, he has no intention of doing so," agent Pat Morris told the Daily News Monday night when informed that a source had said a move to the Toronto Maple Leafs could be completed by the end of this week. "We're still pointing toward July 1."

July 1 is when Richards becomes an unrestricted free agent. Stars GM Joe Nieuwendyk said last week that because of ownership uncertainty, Dallas would not be able to re-sign Richards, and would look to get something in exchange for the exclusive rights to negotiate with him before the end of the month.

Still, a source told The News Monday night that the Maple Leafs felt close enough to making such a deal that they already have plans in place for subsequent moves to clear salary-cap room for Richards, who made $7.8 million this season.

"It's legit," the source said. "Toronto is desperate for a star like this."

Richards would have to waive the no-trade clause in his current contract to allow a move before July 1, and Morris said he saw no reason to accept a deal instead of letting the entire NHL bid for his client's services. The agent would not rule out the possibility of Richards considering a deal, and said he did not know what Nieuwendyk was working on.

http://hfboards.ca/showthread.php?t=922393

 

[The Guid]

Unless they somehow manage to unload Mike Komisarek's disastrous contract, is this smart for Toronto? It buys them a bit more time to get something done before the 1st but would it be worth giving up pieces for?

 

[Phil The Thrill]

I wouldn't imagine it would be much. Probably similar to what calgary gave up for Jay's rights. We also have a lot of cap space for this move, since most likely only two guys will be getting raises (Schenn and MacArthur)

 

[H-MYK]

I'm hoping that Richards would sign, but I'm not sure if we can get him.

 

[JKG33]

I really hope the Leafs don't get him. He would just be a waste for us. I want them to do a proper rebuild, not go out signing big name free agents. Don't get me wrong, I think Brad Richards is a great player, just not someone the Leafs should be trying to acquire.