Mike Richter missed the last nine games of last season after suffering a concussion and fractured skull on March 22.

When anything bad happens to a player, it's tragic.

But Mike Richter is also one of the greatest guys in the league. So, if he's got to sit out to ensure a long, happy life for himself, than it's something that has to be done. Richter is much too valuable to the human race to take unnecessary risks.

At this stage of his career, it's doubtful 36-year-old Richter will return to the game. The chance of another injury is too great. And when you're talking about head injuries -- to say nothing of his two rebuilt knees -- it's serious stuff. There will most likely be a lot more pushing him away than enticing him back. I'm guessing we've seen the last of him in the NHL.

Mike is the type of guy who has a positive attitude regarding anything that happens to him -- this should not be the exception.

In the meantime, Glen Sather stepped up to the plate and made a bold move by getting Nashville's keeper, Mike Dunham. The acquisition alleviated a ton of weight from the shoulders of 19-year-old Dan Blackburn, who has already started in 17 games this season. It wouldn't have been right to ask the youngster to continue at that pace.

To get Dunham, Sather had to pay a price. He had to take a player off his roster plus a couple of prospects. But if Dunham can turn his game around (he's been struggling a bit so far), he'll really help the Rangers.

Bill Clement is an NHL analyst for ESPN.