The 1987 NHL Draft brought immense pressure on the Toronto Maple Leafs as they prepared to make the seventh overall pick. The team had consensus on selecting defenseman Luke Richardson, but chief scout Floyd Smith unexpectedly advocated for center Joe Sakic, igniting a heated debate with coach John Brophy, who preferred a physically dominant player after last season's playoff exit. Amidst tensions at the draft table, team owner Harold Ballard observed closely, ultimately leading to Richardson being selected. In hindsight, the Leafs missed out on a future Hall of Famer, as Sakic went on to win numerous accolades with the Quebec Nordiques and Colorado Avalanche.

The Nashville Predators have enhanced their coaching staff by hiring Luke Richardson, the former Chicago Blackhawks head coach, as an assistant coach. Richardson joins Andrew Brunette's team alongside Derek MacKenzie, Darby Hendrickson, and goaltending coach Ben Vanderklok. General Manager Barry Trotz emphasized Richardson's extensive NHL experience and leadership qualities, believing his ability to connect with players will elevate the team's performance.

Replacing Todd Richards, who had been with the Predators since 2020, Richardson brings valuable insights from his previous coaching roles with the Blackhawks, Montreal, New York Islanders, and Ottawa. His experience includes guiding young talents like Connor Bedard and defensemen Kevin Korchinski and Alex Vlasic. With over 1,400 career games as a defenseman, Richardson's presence is expected to strengthen the Predators on and off the ice.

The Nashville Predators have bolstered their coaching staff by hiring former Chicago Blackhawks head coach Luke Richardson as an assistant. He joins a group led by Andrew Brunette, alongside assistant coaches Derek MacKenzie, Darby Hendrickson, and goaltending coach Ben Vanderklok. General manager Barry Trotz praised Richardson's extensive NHL experience, highlighting his ability to connect with players at all levels. This strategic move aims to enhance both the team's performance and the development of its defensemen.