Richards is a Ranger

The Rangers got their man. Brad Richards, the 31 year old, all-star C for the Dallas Stars and previously the world champion Tampa Bay lightning, has accepted less than the most he was offered to Center the Rangers first line for the next several years. Still it is a substantial deal, and the Rangers better have a good idea of how to manage their cap going forward.

Richards is a great player. People knock him for not being a super star, but he is an elite playmaker, a Team Canada stalwart and if he is successful with the Rangers a very likely Hall of Famer. You will remember that we got Mark Messier at 31. Richards is not Messier, but he is very similar skills-wise to former Ranger great Jean Ratelle. He has amazing vision and is a great passer, and he is a very good goal scorer. He is the Rangers best C since at least the Gretzky/Messier combo back in `97. If he's in shape and motivated, Marian Gaborik could score 50 playing with Richards. He's that good.

Now, it's into finding a left wing. My guess? Wolski will be part of what we send out for the new player.

Welcome to the Rangers, Brad!

UPDATE: Dreger is reporting that the deal is for 9 (!) years, but with a manageable AAV of only 6.5M. That's essentially Redden money, but for a real player.

They should have some flexibility.

UPDATE 2: It's official.