Richards says buyout possibility 'consumed' him last year

Pretty forthright answers from Brad Richards when asked by The New York Post about his contract situation and a potential buyout this summer by the Rangers.

“It’s been in the back of my mind to a certain extent, it would be a lie if I said it wasn’t there,” Richards said. “But it’s not affecting me or weighing on me, or having any impact on my preparation or my game.

“I want to play well in the playoffs because I want to win, not because of whatever impact that might have on their decision, whether it’s been made or not, and that I couldn’t say, because I haven’t talked to anyone in management about it at all,” he said.

“Last year it was a lot more on my mind; it consumed me, and it took over my whole situation, to be honest about it.”

He also says, “I believe that everything works out for a reason. I’m under contract to the Rangers and I’m going to put everything I have into playing for the Rangers until someone tells me that I’m not on the team anymore.

“I’m going to put my best foot forward, and if I do that, I’ll be able to sleep at night. But the contract isn’t what’s motivating me.

“Winning the Stanley Cup is.”

Source: Larry Brooks, New York Post