NHL Trade Deadline: Dallas Stars

February 26 2011 Last updated at 01:00 PM ET

Talk about being stuck between a rock and a hard place.

The rock is Brad Richards, a rock-solid player, in terms of ability but not necessarily health. The hard place is Dallas, and Stars general manager Joe Nieuwendyk (photo right) is the man caught in the middle. As the trading deadline approaches, he is doomed if he does and almost doomed if he doesn't trade his superstar center.

If Nieuwendyk keeps Richards, he risks losing him for nothing to unrestricted free agency in July. After paying Richards millions and building the franchise around the Murray Harbour, P.E.I., native in recent seasons, the financially-strapped stars need to get something for him in order to remain competitive -- and financially-appealing while they are in the process of being sold.

On the other hand, if Nieuwendyk decides to move the superstar center, he could jeopardize the Stars' flickering playoff hopes -- presuming Richards can recover from his concussion in time. Another angle not widely considered: Nieuwendyk risks permanently disrupting his dynamic duo of Richards and Loui Eriksson, who were thriving as linemates before the center was concussed.

Richards considers himself and Richards to be two like-minded players who really think the game through. The chance to keep playing alongside Eriksson could sway his decision to stay in Dallas. Eriksson has also become one of the NHL's top scorers this season and might not be the same without Richards.

Nieuwendyk has stated repeatedly that he wants to keep Richards, but he also made it known recently that he will consider trade offers. It's only prudent ? and safe ? for a GM to consider both options. The salary cap is not really an issue right now, because Nieuwendyk has ample space, and he cleared more room by trading young forward James Neal to Pittsburgh.

Nieuwendyk's decision will likely come down to whether the team's lenders allow him to make a hockey move versus a cost-saving one. Until they went into a tailspin with Richards out, the Stars were making big improvements and had a secure hold on a playoff spot as well as home-ice advantage in the first round. Their current troubles are likely temporary.

"I can't shake my head at the Stanley Cup team I played on, because that was a pretty special team," said Richards, who won a title with Tampa in 2004. "But we're turning that way. We've got a lot of young guys and it kind of feels like we were in Tampa ... But there's a lot of hockey left."

Without him, unfortunately.

NEEDS

If the Stars decide to move Richards, they will need another No. 1 center. Otherwise, they do not need much, other than patience, which is always elusive. They have a strong young defense corps that was improved with the addition of Alex Goligoski in the trade that sent Neal to Pittsburgh.

THE VERDICT

Barring an unexpectedly great offer, the Stars will keep Richards. Why? If he manages to return in time, he could help them make the playoffs. And, by waiting, they can get a better read on his health, spend more time negotiating a new contract or, if necessary, trade him and get more value in return.

After acquiring Goligoski and Jamie Langenbrunner in an earlier deal, Nieuwendyk has likely completed his dealing for this year.

"I think you have to build through the draft," said Nieuwendyk. "But if something made sense through a trade to help our hockey club, like the (Jamie) Langenbrunner thing, we'll take a look at it."

basketball hall of fame basketball history basketball hoop pictures basketball inbound plays