Agreed

Declining production + bad contract = guy who GM would like to get rid of

It ain't rocket science. If Hextall could buy out both VLC and Umberger with no cap penalty, he'd be packing their bags and warming up the car for the ride to the airport
- BiggE

See edit, because we've strayed from the original point.

If you had to choose between Lecavalier & Richards, which would you take? Ignoring contracts, hands down, I'd take Richards. Not even a second thought about it.

Richards is unquestionably the better defensive player and despite being used in a far more defense first role, on a far more defense first team, he's posting similar numbers in terms of PPG to Vinny. That mitigates, to large extent, the impact that age and injuries have to Lecavalier's numbers.

But when you factor in the contracts, I'd take Vinny. Smaller hit, fewer years, no cap recapture implications.

*ass slaps all round*
- flyer_nutter

reported

I'm absolutely baffled nobody has made more of a point on how important it is to be young while playing a major sport professionally. Being young is a key asset. It's a fact!

I come here for the life advice
- PhillySportsGuy

You should get those butt implants, by the way

Just don't go full Kardashian

See edit, because we've strayed from the original point.

If you had to choose between Lecavalier & Richards, which would you take? Ignoring contracts, hands down, I'd take Richards. Not even a second thought about it.

Richards is unquestionably the better defensive player and despite being used in a far more defense first role, on a far more defense first team, he's posting similar numbers in terms of PPG to Vinny. That mitigates, to large extent, the impact that age and injuries have to Lecavalier's numbers.

But when you factor in the contracts, I'd take Vinny. Smaller hit, fewer years, no cap recapture implications.
- Jsaquella

I feel the same way, the extra years and higher cap hit aren't worth it even though he's the better all around player

Overwhelming for me.

Have a good night hooligans. Gnight and good hockey.

*ass slaps all round*
- flyer_nutter

Stop it I'm blushing

I usually end up here cause I'm drunk and there's no driving involved
- BiggE

Drink and jive

There isn't any metric that you can provide that says he is a 4th liner. And it really has nothing to do with being in decline. That's been obvious for a while. The question isn't is he is still a good player. The question is, is he worth his current contract.
- MJL

ATOI

Anze Kopitar: 20 minutes per night
Jeff Carter: 17:59 per night
Jarret Stoll: 17 minutes per night
Mike Richards: 15:17 per night

So yeah, I pretty much can provide a metric that says Mike Richards is a fourth-liner

See edit, because we've strayed from the original point.

If you had to choose between Lecavalier & Richards, which would you take? Ignoring contracts, hands down, I'd take Richards. Not even a second thought about it.

Richards is unquestionably the better defensive player and despite being used in a far more defense first role, on a far more defense first team, he's posting similar numbers in terms of PPG to Vinny. That mitigates, to large extent, the impact that age and injuries have to Lecavalier's numbers.

But when you factor in the contracts, I'd take Vinny. Smaller hit, fewer years, no cap recapture implications.
- Jsaquella

Contracts aren't the only factor. Age is certainly a big factor. Need is also. But if we remove that, I would take Richards also.

I'm absolutely baffled nobody has made more of a point on how important it is to be young while playing a major sport professionally. Being young is a key asset. It's a fact!
- SuperSchennBros

Peyton Manning says huh?

You should get those butt implants, by the way

Just don't go full Kardashian
- Jsaquella

Been thinking about doing it for years. I think I'm just going to take the plunge. What's living if you don't feel great about your ass?

No question about that. But buying a player out, doesn't mean a player is a bad player. It could, but it's not automatic.
- MJL

Lecavalier being bought out by Tampa to begin with I believe had far more to do with his original deal then his play and injuries.

I come here for the life advice
- PhillySportsGuy

Me too. It's valuable.

I feel the same way, the extra years and higher cap hit aren't worth it even though he's the better all around player
- BiggE

How about Vinny AND Umberger for Richards?


Nah. kidding

ATOI

Anze Kopitar: 20 minutes per night
Jeff Carter: 17:59 per night
Jarret Stoll: 17 minutes per night
Mike Richards: 15:17 per night

So yeah, I pretty much can provide a metric that says Mike Richards is a fourth-liner
- AllInForFlyers

That's not the metric he wanted. He wants you to find one that proves his point

ATOI

Anze Kopitar: 20 minutes per night
Jeff Carter: 17:59 per night
Jarret Stoll: 17 minutes per night
Mike Richards: 15:17 per night

So yeah, I pretty much can provide a metric that says Mike Richards is a fourth-liner
- AllInForFlyers

ooooh, now you did it!

Peyton Manning says huh?
- BiggE

Jagr could say the same but this is a handful of superstars against everyone else. The term "He's old washed up" is probably used a million times a day.

Been thinking about doing it for years. I think I'm just going to take the plunge. What's living if you don't feel great about your ass?
- PhillySportsGuy

thats sage advice

ATOI

Anze Kopitar: 20 minutes per night
Jeff Carter: 17:59 per night
Jarret Stoll: 17 minutes per night
Mike Richards: 15:17 per night

So yeah, I pretty much can provide a metric that says Mike Richards is a fourth-liner
- AllInForFlyers

None of those players are ever on the ice at the same time are they? How many 4th line players do you know average 15:17 in icetime per game? How many 4th line players average 2:03 per game on the PP? Which is more PP time per game then Dustin Brown and Justin Williams. 4th line player my ass!

Basic hockey. Total icetime is made up of ES, PP and PK time. Mike Richards ranks 8th among all LA King forwards in ES icetime. How can that be if he is a 4th line player?

See edit, because we've strayed from the original point.

If you had to choose between Lecavalier & Richards, which would you take? Ignoring contracts, hands down, I'd take Richards. Not even a second thought about it.

Richards is unquestionably the better defensive player and despite being used in a far more defense first role, on a far more defense first team, he's posting similar numbers in terms of PPG to Vinny. That mitigates, to large extent, the impact that age and injuries have to Lecavalier's numbers.

But when you factor in the contracts, I'd take Vinny. Smaller hit, fewer years, no cap recapture implications.
- Jsaquella

To me, it's zero sum -- Richards is better for the role his diminished skill merits, but for me, with where they are right now, you're trying to kiss the prettiest pig

Me too. It's valuable.
- Giroux_Is_God

Yes. Like when BigE educated me on kids. Do I want kids or lots of free time and a second house in Key West?

Been thinking about doing it for years. I think I'm just going to take the plunge. What's living if you don't feel great about your ass?
- PhillySportsGuy

As much as I use mine, I want it to be in the best possible condition

And the jiblets have been exposed. Couldn't step away.

How about Vinny AND Umberger for Richards?


Nah. kidding
- Jsaquella

Can we throw in Rinaldo too?

None of those players are ever on the ice at the same time are they? How many 4th line players do you know average 15:17 in icetime per game? How many 4th line players average 2:03 per game on the PP? Which is more PP time per game then Dustin Brown and Justin Williams. 4th line player my ass!
- MJL

You do realize that we want Jason Akeson to play on the PP from the fourth line, correct?