Brad Richards, who spent last season with the Detroit Red Wings, is calling it a career. The 36-year-old is ready to hang up his skates after 15 seasons in the NHL, including two Stanley Cup Championships. He made the announcement today, via the NHLPA’s official website.
Brad Richards Retires
The Tampa Bay Lightning drafted Richards in the third round, 64th overall, in the 1998 NHL Draft. This was the same draft where the Lightning took Vincent Lecavalier. The two would form a potent one-two punch down the middle for Tampa. Joined by Martin St. Louis the trio would lead the Bolts offense and take them to the 2004 Stanley Cup. Richards scored 12 goals and 26 points over 23 games in that playoff run, winning the Conn Smythe Trophy.
Richards best season in Tampa came in 2005-06, when he scored 91 points.
Dallas and New York
In 2008, the Lightning were facing a cap crunch and traded Richards to the Dallas Stars. He would play for the team for three and a half years. He matched his career high of 91 points in 2009-10.
In July 2011, he became the most sought after free agent on the market. Richards signed a nine-year contract with the New York Rangers. The Rangers would regret the mega-deal, and seeing Richards decling production would be buy out the contract in 2014.
Redemption in Chicago
Richards would sign a one-year contract with the Chicago Blackhawks. He scored 37 points in the regular season and another 14 in 23 playoff games, helping the Blackhawks to win the 2015 Stanley Cup. Following the year, he would again become an unrestricted free agent.
Richards signed with the Detroit Red Wings. He put up 28 points in 68 games in his final NHL season.
Brad Richards finishes his career with 298 goals, 634 assists, and 932 points in 1126 career NHL games.
He was also a member of Team Canada’s 2004 World Cup of Hockey championship squad, and the 2006 Olympic team.
Statement
Richards made the following statement on his retirement.
“I want to thank the fans and the five organizations I have played for: Tampa Bay, Dallas, and the three original six teams — the New York Rangers, Chicago, and Detroit. During my time with those teams I met many great people. I also want to thank the staff and management in those organizations for all the help and support they gave me. I appreciate all the trainers who did tireless work to help me play and keep me healthy. I had many amazing teammates and made many great friendships along the way that I truly appreciate, and I will never forget the great times we had together. Thank you to all my coaches for pushing, teaching and giving me the opportunity to play this great game. Winning the Stanley Cups in Tampa Bay and Chicago was the best part of my career and I will never forget those moments. Nothing compares to enjoying that night with your team and knowing what you have accomplished together,” said Brad Richards.
