February 4, 2009 | 6:18pm ET Richards isn't expected to be dealt
TheFourthPeriod.com
With speculation running wild over the Montreal Canadiens' apparent interest in Dallas' Brad Richards, RDS.ca is reporting that the Stars don't plan on moving their star center.
The Canadiens are actively involved in trade discussions with a number of teams in an attempt to acquire a top-four defenseman and a top-six forward, but yesterday a report on French sports radio station CKAC 730 claimed Habs GM Bob Gainey was discussing a deal with the Stars involving Richards and defenseman Matt Niskanen.
Citing sources, RDS claims the Stars have no intention of trading Richards, nor have they approached him about a potential move.
Gainey, meanwhile, is speaking with a number of clubs and is weighing his options as the March 4 trade deadline inches closer.
One team that could be major sellers in the next few weeks is the Colorado Avalanche.
The Avs currently sit 14th in the West and if they continue to falter, they could move a number of players including the likes of Jordan Leopold, John-Michael Liles, Ryan Smyth, Marek Svatos, Ruslan Salei and Brett Clark.
From the Editor: I hate to be the one to say 'I told you so', but... this rumor didn't make much sense from the Stars' standpoint. They're back in the playoff picture and are playing very well. Trading away Richards AND Niskanen didn't add up. Montreal may be interested, but they're not moving. And to be frank, I don't think Gainey made more than an inquiry, if anything. He's focused elsewhere, and if he's looking for help up front, Colorado might be a good target. If the Avs are still in 12th to 15th spot in the West in 3 weeks from now, I wouldn't be surprised at all if they moved a bulk of their assets, including someone Gainey's coveted, Ryan Smyth. -- David Pagnotta.
