411mania’s NHL Conference Call Coverage: Mike Richards
Posted by Neil Borenstein on 01.15.2008
The man who owns the longest contract in Philadelphia Flyers’ club history discusses his selection to the Eastern Conference All Star team roster, his contract extension and his play during the most successful season of his career!
The Philadelphia Flyers made their longest contractual commitment to a player in club history on Dec. 13. General manager Paul Holmgren dealt third-year center Mike Richards a 12-year, $69 million contract extension, keeping the Flyers' future captain in Philadelphia until the 2019-20 season when he will be 35 years old. This is a breakout campaign for the 22-year old, Ontario native. He leads the Flyers in goals (20), assists (28), points (48), shots (123), plus/minus (plus-12), power play points (23), short handed goals (four) and game-winning goals (five.)
Such production landed Richards a spot on this year's Eastern Conference All Star roster. This will be Richards' first All Star Game appearance, which takes place on Jan. 27 in Atlanta.
Richards took time out of his schedule to take part in an NHL Media Conference Call on Tuesday. Here are some highlights from the call:
Mike Richards
Photo Credit: Yahoo! Sports/Getty Images
On All Star Weekend
Advice from players
Richards: I talked to a couple guys and they said it's a good time. I'm excited to get down there. I've never really been a part of something like this before, so I'm excited to get down there and see what it's like.
The SuperSkills competition
Richards: I haven't really looked at some of the skills things that they do. I know I used to watch it a little bit growing up. But I don't really have too much of an opinion on it. From what I've heard about the skills breakaway thing where they judge, I think that's going to be somewhat interesting.
Players he's looking forward to playing with at the All Star Game
Richards: Well, I'm looking forward to being on the same team as Sid instead of the opposing team; it will be a lot easier having to play with him than having to check him. There will be a lot of guys that you kind of respect so much both playing against them and seeing the skills, Ovechkin, guys like that, I'd just like to get to know them a little bit and see what they are like off the ice. Because you've played against them so many times on the ice, it will be a neat experience to get in the room with them and see what they are like.
On His 12-Year Contract Extension
Thoughts when first heard about discussions of such a long-term deal with the Flyers
Richards: [I was] excited. I talked to Paul Holmgren a little bit. Him and I kind of had a couple discussions about being here for the remainder of my career, and hopefully I will be.
I like it here. We both decided I think that was the right move, and that was the right thing we needed to do with me as a player and as an organization. I was happy when we got it done.
Reaction when Rick DiPietro signed his 15-year deal with the New York Islanders
Richards: To tell you the truth I wasn't in the same boat. It was a shocker. I didn't really expect something like that to happen. And now I mean, a couple of us have done it now.
At that time I didn't have too much of an opinion on it, and you think it's a long time to be with an organization. But I guess if you like the organization and you like the city, why not sign so that you know you're going to be there and that you're going to be in an environment you like for the next couple of years.
Concerns over the pressure and attention that comes with such a long-term deal
Richards: I don't know, I think the only pressure that you have is the pressure that you put on yourself. Obviously you're not going to want to change your game or your style too much. You just want to go out there and play the game. I don't feel any added pressure. I know you obviously have to do a couple more interviews and maybe you have a little more media attention, but the pressure I don't think is there.
Financial advice in light of his extension
Richards: Before I got into the NHL, I went with a fella out of Toronto Financial Management for financial and pretty much all advice. He helps me out with a lot of things. He's kind of overseeing my financial stuff. He's allowing me to go in there, too, and kind of try to make some decisions. He discusses things with me, and if I have an idea he'll listen and explain the pros and cons about it.
It's not just, you know, them going out and doing what they want to do. The money that you have in the long run, it's your money, so you want to do what you want with it. But they kind of steer you in the right direction and tell you what you should do with it; and if you agree with them, they go ahead and do it.
He's been really good to me the last couple of years and he's treated me really well. He and I have a good relationship and I trust him with my money.
On His Play With The Flyers This Season
His role with the team in light of his breakthrough season
Richards: I don't know, the role hasn't really changed a whole lot. I think we have a lot tighter group on the team. Everybody seems like they are gelling together well. It is obviously easier to come to the rink and play every night when you're surrounded by guys that you like and that you're going to play that much harder for.
His teammates making things easier for him
Richards: Well, having Danny [Briere] and Gagne on the first line, and then Knuble on the second line and Kimmo and Umberger, it makes it a little bit easier to play in games because everyone is focusing on those guys playing so well, it takes some of the attention off of myself and my linemates. I know everyone is focused on Danny and Gagne, shutting them down so much so it frees us up a little bit.
Leadership on the team
Richards: I haven't taken on too much of a leadership role to tell you the truth. We have so many leaders in the dressing room that you don't have to do too much. Jason Smith gets a lot of respect from everyone and not only on the team but everyone in the league. When something needs to be said, there is also Hatch[er] and Briere and Kimmo and all those guys are there, as well, so you don't have to put too much pressure on yourself. You have to more or less worry about your hockey game than kind of the leadership thing.
The feeling of playing for the Philadelphia fans
Richards: Well, they are very passionate. Last year going through some of the highs and lows, even though they kind of display their displeasure sometimes, they will also cheer. They are a fan group that will cheer you on as long as you work hard.
You know, if you show the effort, they are going to cheer you on, and obviously every city likes to be a winning team. It's nice to go to the rink and know that they are going to be there and cheer passionately for you if you have a good game and if you're playing well.
Peter Forsberg's potential return to the NHL
Richards: Well, Peter is a world-class player so it would be nice to have him on your team no matter what time of season. He's the type of player that not only helps on the ice but he's a great player in the dressing room. Everyone respects him and he carries himself so well.
It would be nice to have him on the ice, but also off.
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