Several teams are in Mississauga, Ont., on Friday to make their pitches to Brad Richards and his agent, Pat Morris, at the offices of Newport Sports Management, Inc.
Richards is the biggest name on the free agent market and is reportedly going to listen to what all the interested teams have to say before he deliberates with Morris and decides where he is going to play next. His decision might not come until Friday night or possibly Saturday, according to TSN's Darren Dreger.
The Los Angeles Kings are going hard after Richards. Kings Governor Tim Leiweke has been seen in Mississauga with a caravan of people that also includes GM Dean Lombardi and some coaches. Leiweke confirmed his presence at the office of Newport Sports Management, Inc. in an e-mail to the Los Angeles Times.
Toronto has reportedly sent Senior V.P. of Hockey Operations Dave Nonis and Special Advisor Cliff Fletcher to the office with the Maple Leafs' pitch as GM Brian Burke is in Afghanistan visiting with Canadian troops. The Leafs are in the market for a No. 1 center to play with Phil Kessel.
TSN is reporting that Buffalo owner Terry Pegula is also in Mississauga with the Sabres' contingent. Buffalo proved it is going to be a player in free agency by signing Christian Ehrhoff to a 10-year deal reportedly worth $40 million.
Other teams that are likely interested in Richards are the New York Rangers, Philadelphia Flyers and Tampa Bay Lightning.
Richards had 77 points in 72 games with the Dallas Stars last season. He has 716 points in 772 career NHL games and won the Conn Smythe Trophy and Stanley Cup with Tampa Bay in 2004.
Follow Dan Rosen on Twitter at: @drosennhl
