Brad Richards taking advantage of chance for redemption
LOS ANGELES -- The Chicago Blackhawks second-line center is known for his intelligence – so it’s hard to get an obvious question past him.
And when asked about the differences between being in Chicago and the New York Rangers, Brad Richards stated the extreme obvious.
“A nine-year deal going to New York is a lot different than a one year deal coming to a team that’s won two (Stanley) Cups,” Richards said after Chicago defeated Los Angeles 4-1 at Staples Center to stake its claim as the team to beat in the Western Conference. “I was fortunate to be picky in the summer and find a good fit. That’s what I did, so here we are.”
OK, Brad, we get it. The expectation level in Chicago for you is low. Your name is not Patrick Kane. It’s not Jonathan Toews. It’s not Duncan Keith – players who the Blackhawks expect to produce at massively large amounts.
But on a one-year contract for $2 million, Richards gives the Blackhawks a coveted second-line center – one the most important positions in hockey. And he has rewarded Chicago by giving them high-end value at the position.
“(We) can be dangerous because you want to find chemistry throughout the lineup and consistent production throughout the lineup,” linemate Kris Versteeg said. “When you have every line contributing … everyone is contributing in their own way and it’s made for some really fun hockey for us and some good hockey.”
You can surmise any theory as to why the Blackhawks lost to the Kings in the Western Conference Final last year. Granted, it came down to a late Los Angeles comeback in Game 7. But by winning two Stanley Cups in the last three seasons with depth at center, the Kings have made middlemen all the rage in the NHL – especially in the West.
The Anaheim Ducks dealt for Ryan Kesler ($5 million per-year cap hit), the Dallas Stars went after Jason Spezza ($7 million per-year cap hit), and Chicago got Richards for a steal at one year and $2 million.
The reason why the Blackhawks got Richards was because the Rangers bought him out of his nine-year $60 million contract with six years remaining.
With New York, Richards turned into an epic failure – at least for the money. Granted most teams would love a second-line center who could produce 20 goals and 51 points. But not at first-line money.
For third-line dough (because let’s face it, that’s what Richards is making) his numbers look much more manageable. He’s on pace for 21 goals and 55 points, and now that he’s playing with Kane and Versteeg his offensive totals could spike even higher.
The last two games of Chicago’s "circus trip" where the Hawks went 5-1-0, Richards had three goals and four points. And on the second game of a back-to-back against Los Angeles, coach Joel Quenneville had enough faith in Richards to play him 19:04 against the powerful Kings.
“He has scored some big goals on this trip, they’ve had some nice plays against each other, it’s almost like you know they’re going to get some chances and they usually end up being high quality. He’s had a hot stick with them going in as well,” Quenneville said. “There’s a lot of ability Richards is going to play with those two guys. Be ready.”
Is this a long-term solution for Chicago as the second-line center? Of course not. Richards will probably have a decent year and then cash in next year with some other team – or at least that’s what makes the most sense. Don't forget, Chicago will need to re-sign Brandon 'kneel before' Saad for a much, much larger salary cap hit than $764,167.
“As the days go by, you feel more comfortable,” Richards said. “There’s no other thing than time getting to know people. I’m getting the opportunity now, and you get an opportunity to play with Patrick Kane, you take advantage of it because he’s a special player. Right now I’m trying to do that and take advantage of playing with those guys.”
MORE FROM YAHOO HOCKEY
