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Brad Richards’ agent says he’d consider a return to Tampa Bay

Tampa Bay Lightning v New York Rangers

NEW YORK, NY - JANUARY 14: Richard Panik #71 of the Tampa Bay Lightning and Brad Richards #19 of the New York Rangers exchange words during the third period at Madison Square Garden on January 14, 2014 in New York City. The Lightning defeated the Rangers 2-1. (Photo by Bruce Bennett/Getty Images)

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Brad Richards might feel like he’s floundering without a home after being bought out by the New York Rangers on Friday. Perhaps he’d find comfort in returning to a familiar place, though?

His agent told the Tampa Bay Times’ Joe Smith that that Richards would “certainly respond positively to interest from Tampa.” Smith follows that revelation with a worthy point: it’s unclear if the 34-year-old would fit in well with the Lightning.

That being said, Rangers GM Glen Sather raved about Richards’ work with the team’s younger players, so maybe the experienced forward would impact the likes of Ondrej Palat, Jonathan Drouin, Tyler Johnson and even Steven Stamkos in a positive way?

Perhaps the Lightning would ponder such a thought if Richards is willing to take a one or two-year deal, particularly if they cannot retain Ryan Callahan. The hypothetical situations only get more fun (if far-fetched) when you consider that his former Lightning teammate Dan Boyle is also looking for a deal. Maybe we’d see those two reunited after all these years? (Both were priced out of Tampa Bay during/after the 2007-08 season.)

Lightning GM Steve Yzerman might not want to go in that direction with such a talented young core of players, although the two veterans could conceivably be useful at the right price and (most importantly) the right term.

If nothing else, it’s an entertaining thought.

Follow James O’Brien @cyclelikesedins