When contract talks finally come around, Rikaad Metzller only relies on himself. He has always been wary of anyone trying to assist in contract negotiations because they aren't doing it altruistically. Rikaad is usually a trustworthy person, so he trusts the management of the team that he is dealing with to have his best interest in mind as well as the interests of the team, hockey is business after all. Rikaad usually isn't very serious in contract negotiations because at the end of the day, he just wants to play hockey. He is ok not getting the perfectly though tout deal, but as long as he thinks he is getting paid what he rightfully deserves then he hardly causes trouble during the talks. This has been especially true during his first couple years. Being brand new to the league, he decided it wasn't very wise to make any demands, clauses, etc., and burn any bridges