For now, top free agent Richards goes unsigned

By the end of the first day of NHL free agency, more than 60 players had signed new deals. The top available player, center Brad Richards, was not one of them.

The expected teams made their pitches to him and were waiting for a decision: the New York Rangers, the Toronto Maple Leafs, the Los Angeles Kings and the Philadelphia Flyers.

Another—the Tampa Bay Lightning—decided to pass, as did the Buffalo Sabres, who hadn't been mentioned as a contender in the days leading up to July 1.

And another surprise entry, the Calgary Flames, finished the night with momentum in their attempt to sign the 31-year-old former Conn Smythe winner.(tsn, toronto maple leafs, leafs, maple leafs, eric cole )

The Flames, led by captain Jarome Iginla and general manager Jay Feaster, had made strong push to sign Richards, according to TSN.ca's Darren Dreger.

There are concerns over the Flames' ability to fit Richards, whom they offered nine years and $64 million, according to the New York Daily News, under the salary cap—they have about that much in space, but only have five defensemen under contract. One potential solution is burying Niklas Hagman and his $3 million cap hit in the AHL.


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