Former Chicago Blackhawk Brad Richards has signed a one-year, $3 million deal with the Detroit Red Wings. This pickup comes shortly after he won a Stanley Cup with one of the best teams in the league.
1 yr for Richards to Det. $3 mil with bonus to $4 mil
— Darren Dreger (@DarrenDreger) July 1, 2015
Richards is no doubt one of the casualties of Chicago’s salary cap situation. He earned 37 points in 76 games for the Blackhawks just one year after he was bought out of his contract by the New York Rangers. He also tallied 14 points during the 2015 playoffs, helping his team to a Stanley Cup victory.
The two-time Cup winner has also become a dominant possession player. Over the past three seasons, Richards has recorded a 54.1%, 54.6%, and 54.7% corsi-for, despite starting more shifts in the defensive zone in all three years.
The Red Wings finished last season with 100 points but ultimately fell to the Tampa Bay Lightning in seven games during round one. By adding a proven veteran to their roster, they may be able to get over the hump and make it to the conference semifinals for the first time since 2013.
This is Detroit’s second notable signing of the day, as they also made a deal with defenseman Mike Green earlier this afternoon. Ken Holland wants his team to be successful and he is willing to go out and get the talent the organization needs to be competitive. Green on the blueline and Richards up front are two notable acquisitions that can propel the Red Wings deep into the playoffs.
For all of the latest moves on Free Agent Frenzy, check out The Hockey Writers’ live free agent tracker.
[RELATED: Red Wings Sign Mike Green to 3-year Deal]
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