If he were healthy, Brad Richards would likely be the biggest name being discussed leading up to Monday's trade deadline. Concussion-like symptoms, however, have quieted the chatter quite a bit.
That isn't stopping Stars general manager Joe Nieuwendyk from gauging teams' interest in the soon-to-be unrestricted free agent.
TSN's Darren Dreger reported Wednesday that Nieuwendyk is "exploring interest" in Richards after as many as six teams inquired about the 30-year-old's availability.
Richards hasn't played since Feb. 13, and Nieuwendyk told ESPN.com's Pierre LeBrun that "he wants to sign Richards and keep him in Dallas, but also has to look at all his 'options.'"
Teams that have been thrown in the mix include the Rangers and Kings, according to the reports.
The Stars currently have 68 points, putting them in a four-way tie for eight place in the Western Conference. With a fifth team just behind at 66 points, Nieuwendyk's decision to keep or trade Richards will likely determine the team's playoff aspirations.
