Brad Richards: What would he cost the New York Rangers?

Over the passed few days, various columnists from several websites have taken a stab at what Brad Richards may cost a team at the trade deadline. The New York Rangers have been the team of focus during Richards trade discussions, due to the fact that their GM Glen Sather has a load of interest in the veteran Dallas Star center.

The Rangers have been a likely candidate for Richards future team since the offseason of 2009. Glen Sather has had "interest" in acquiring Brad Richards since his days in Tampa Bay, where he was cached by current Rangers' bench boss, John Tortorella.

According to reports, Tortorella and Richards have a very good relationship, and that may lead Richards to waiving his NTC (No-Trade Clause) to OK a trade to the New York Rangers.

But at what cost for the New York Rangers?

There are two trades that I believe should be up for review when guessing the value of an all-star player, most notably Brad Richards. The two trades that I am referring too are the Ilya Kovalchuk and Joe Thornton trades.

The big trade from last season was between the Atlanta Thrashers and New Jersey Devils, including superstar Ilya Kovalchuk. The second trade took place a few seasons ago (2005-06), between the Boston Bruins and San Jose Sharks, with Joe Thornton being the centerpiece of the trade.

The Trades:
New Jersey Devils Received: Ilya Kovalchuk and Anssi Salmela
Atlanta Thrashers Received: Nicolas Bergfors, Johnny Oduya, Patrice Cormier, and 2010 First Round Draft Pick.

San Jose Sharks Received: Joe Thornton
Boston Bruins Received: Wayne Primeua, Brad Stuart, and Marco Sturm

What each trade has in common was that they both cost a team three players. One of trades included a first round draft choice. So, after analyzing the two trades, a fair conclusion would be that any trade for Richards must include around three players, and most likely some sort of draft choice.

The Rangers are known for having a very strong farm system, with several strong prospects. A trade may cost them a prospect.

Breaking Down A Possible Trade
If the Rangers are to acquire Brad Richards through trade, it will most likely cost them three players, and an early draft choice (First or Second Round). Out of the three players, two will most likely be roster players, and one a prospect. The Rangers will also have to send salary back to the Stars, possibly increasing the amount of players traded.

If I had to take a guess at a potential trade, it would be:
Rangers Receive: Brad Richards
Stars Receive: Alex Frolov, Erik Christensen, Matt Gilroy, and an AHL prospect (possibly Evgeny Grachev) and a Second Round Draft Choice.

Just a guess, of course, but it may be a possible scenario sometime down the road. Another scenario could be the Rangers walking away from a trade, and attempting to sign him on July 1st, 2011 (day one of Free Agency).