The NHL’s lockout-prompted autumnal migration to Europe will not include Brad Richards.
“I am staying here for the fall,” Richards, the Rangers’ alternate captain, told The Post yesterday by email. “Not thinking about anything until at least Christmas. Going to train, skate and be ready.”
Coach John Tortorella had spoken before Sunday’s implementation of the lockout with Richards and captain Ryan Callahan about the importance of maintaining structure — and a high level of conditioning — in the voluntary skates and scrimmages the club’s players have continued to hold at the team’s practice facility.
Between 10 and 15 Rangers skated Monday and Wednesday on the ice they rent from the team. Approximately a dozen players are expected today, which had been the league-wide scheduled opening day of training camp.
Rick Nash, who is joining HC Davos of the Swiss League, is the only Ranger thus far to have signed up for European duty. Ryan McDonagh’s agent, Ben Hankinson, told The Post on Wednesday the defenseman has offers, but has not yet decided on a plan.
* The Alberta Labour Relations Board will hear arguments today in the Players’ Association’s complaint to declare the lockout unlawful in that Canadian province in which the Oilers and Flames play.
Twenty-one Edmonton and Calgary players are listed as complainants in the union action. The league, which is seeking to have the complaint dismissed on grounds that, “The Labour Relations Code does not apply,” will be represented by owners’ deputy commissioner Bill Daly. The union will be represented by director of operations Alexandra Dagg.