Richards Trade

To Dallas: Brad Richards, Johan Holmqvist
To Tampa Bay: Jussi Jokinen, Mike Smith, Jeff Halpern

I would be very excited to be a Stars fan right about now. This trade is perfect for the Stars as they did not have to give up any of their future, while acquiring a Conn Smythe winner and former captain in Richards. He will add tremendous depth and character to this already formidable team. The biggest factor that Richards adds to the Stars is his character. He will not command the spotlight or become a 'cancer' in the lockeroom. This Maritime native is a proven winner and will be re-invigorated to prove his former organization wrong about letting him go. In addition, with Mike Modano nearing the end of his career, Richards is the perfect replacement who can lead this team back to the high ground.

Adding Holmqvist to the goaltending duties is strictly to give Turco a back-up, although not the most reliable goalie compared to Mike Smith. Either way, this Dallas team has become a serious playoff contender, already joining Anaheim, Detroit and San Jose as the West's elite teams.

For Tampa, this organization just can't find a legitimate goalie. Ever since Nikolai Khabibulin exited Florida after winning the Cup in '04, the Lightning have really struggled in that department. Apparently, Mike Smith is the goalie of their future. While he is a great back-up, it will take some time before he can become a proven starter. So in the short term, the Lightning are in the same position as before but were able to shave Richards $7 million salary off their cap. It's clearly a long-term goal of Tampa's to become a contender in the East. While it shouldn't be too hard to achieve that goal, since the Southeast Division is the weakest in all the league, goaltending makes or breaks a team and the Lightning are miles from the holy land.

But who won the deal? No brainer on this one. Dallas, plain and simple. One word: Richards.