Brad Richards Signs With New York Rangers For 9 Years, $58.5 Million

One of the biggest prizes of the 2011 NHL free agency period is heading to one of hockey’s brightest stages: Brad Richards has signed with the New York Rangers for eight years and $58.5 million.

The immediate benefits to this Rangers team are obvious. Richards has scored at least 20 goals in 9 of his 10 NHL seasons. He has posted at least 25 power play points in 8 of his 10 seasons. He will fit an immediate need both in the #1 center slot, and quarterbacking the power play. He has a Stanley Cup ring and a Conn Smythe trophy to his credit, from his days with current Rangers’ coach John Tortorella.But Richards’ contract makes him one of the NHL’s highest-paid players, and will be in place until Richards turns 39. For this risk to pay off, Richards will need to produce at a high level for most of a decade.