Brad Richards says his focus is on playing for the Dallas Stars and, based on his stellar work this season, it would be impossible to make the point that he is being distracted by his uncertain future in Big D.

But, before Monday’s game here against the Maple Leafs, he did nothing to quell rumours that he may one day be Toronto bound to become the club’s much-needed No. 1 centre.

Actually, Richards tossed a little more fuel on the fire.

“When the time comes, if that’s an option, Toronto is always a No. 1 hockey destination,” said the 30-year-old when surrounded by reporters after the Stars’ morning skate.

“It would be great being a Canadian playing in Toronto but we’re not even close to that bridge yet and, like I said, I’m focused here.”

The Richards-to-Toronto rumours have surfaced a few times this season because of several factors. Similar scuttlebutt has surrounded second-line centre Mike Ribeiro.

The Stars’ face an uncertain ownership future. The team is for sale and, while the situation is complicated, the banks that have loaned the club money to keep it going have a large say in how that money is spent. Richards’ $7.8 million (U.S.) contract surely must cause a few beads of sweat on the brows of those money men.

Richards is also set to become a free agent July 1 and the team, specifically general manager Joe Nieuwendyk, is not in a position to negotiate an extension for the P.E.I. native until ownership questions get settled.

So wouldn’t it be better to move him for something than let him walk if a new contract can’t be put in place? The Stars could certainly use a puck-moving defenceman such as Tomas Kaberle, though he has a no-trade clause with Toronto.

Richards has a no-movement clause with the Stars but, unlike Kaberle in Toronto, meets frequently with Nieuwendyk to discuss his situation. Both men have kept an open-line of communication about what the future might hold but Nieuwendyk’s hands are tied. There’s no guarantee he’ll still have his job either if and when the team is sold.

“It’s not something that Joe and I haven’t talked about,” said Richards.“We know the situation is not ideal for the time being to stay in Dallas or to re-sign something but, obviously, we’re open and talking about it and giving the chance for ownership to come in. I’m a Dallas Star and that’s where my focus is right now.”

Under difficult circumstances, Richards game has flourished. On a line with wingers James Neal and Loui Eriksson, he sat tied for sixth in NHL scoring going into Monday’s game. Richards had nine goals and 24 points in 18 games.

The Conn Smythe Trophy winner from Tampa’s Stanley Cup run in 2004, says he is not distracted by public speculation about his future because of that no-movement clause.

“I don’t really care because I’m in total control of what can happen,” he said. “I sleep well at night with that. It would be different if I didn’t have control and you were wondering every day if you’re going to be traded or not.”

“Joe and I have talked about everything. At this point, there’s no trade. I’d have to be aware of it. We’re trying to make the playoffs and do the best we can there.”

So does he think he’ll still be in Dallas if the Stars make the playoffs?

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“That’s a tough question. I have no idea. I have no idea, who’s controlling the team, what they say and what forces Joe to make moves,” he said.

“I have great respect for Joe and what he is trying to do. If there ever was a situation ... that’s something we’d talk about.”