Brad Richards is at the top of this year's free agent class and is eager to put the stress of free agency and change behind him.
Richards and his agent Pat Morris will examine all presentations Friday and will weigh their financial expectation against Richards' best opportunity to win another Stanley Cup.
The Toronto Maple Leafs and the New York Rangers are both believed to be poised to invest, on average, up to a $6.5 million.
They won't be alone and likely won't be the highest bidder, with as many as 20 teams ranging from tire kickers to bank breakers expected to express interest.
Could Buffalo be among them?
Sabres owner Terry Pegula was very influential in convincing veteran defenseman Robyn Regehr to accept a trade to Buffalo.
It's conceivable Pegula may be just as aggressive in allowing Sabres GM Darcy Regier to spend big money on free agents, namely star impact players like Brad Richards.
July 1 always opens the door to a number of fascinating possibilities. Add Tomas Kaberle's name to the list of available defencemen.
The Boston Bruins have decided to let Kaberle go to market, but haven't ruled out the possibility of re-signing him if Kaberle doesn't find what he's looking for in free agency.
This year's crop of unrestricted free agents may lack depth in big name players, but there's no shortage of intriguing storylines leading up to Friday.
