It didn’t take long for forward Brad Richards to find a new home, signing a with the Chicago Blackhawks. It is a one-year deal for $2 million, a significant downgrade from his previous deal.
After the 2013-14 season, New York Rangers general manager Glen Sather had seen enough and exercised his second of two compliance buy-outs, ending Richards run in the Big Apple just three seasons into his 9-year, $58.5 million contract. The buy-out will pay Richards $20,666,667 over the course of the next 12 years. Per the National Hockey League’s CBA, this will not count towards the Rangers salary cap.
Richards, 34, has played 954 career National Hockey League games with the Tampa Bay Lightning, Dallas Stars and New York Rangers. The crafty centerman racked up 867 career points (276 goals, 591 assists) but saw his numbers take a hit in the final season with the Rangers. Matching his 51-point campaign with the Tampa Bay Lightning — the final season he played for that team before being traded — Richards struggled into the playoffs, putting up just 5 goals and 7 assists in 25 games during their run to the Cup finals.
The Blackhawks should know what they are getting, as it is no secret that Richards career is on the down, however he can still contribute at a secondary rate. Richards is a winner at every level he has played at; a QMJHL Championship during his final year with the Rimouski Océanic, a Gold medal at the 2001 World Cup of Hockey, a Gold medal at the 2006 Winter Olympics and a Stanley Cup in 2004. At this price tag, Richards isn’t so much a risk and adds depth down the middle as well as leadership and experience to the team.
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