Brad Richards, forward
2014-15 cap hit: $2 million | Age: 35 | Season stats: 12 goals, 25 assists, plus-3
Season recap: Richards had one goal in mind when he signed with the Blackhawks last offseason. He was willing to take a short, inexpensive contract in order to get another chance at a Stanley Cup. Mission accomplished. He centered the second line for much of the season and contributed to Patrick Kane's offensive success. In the playoffs, Richards had three goals and 11 assists. He was mostly what the Blackhawks hoped he would be for the season.
Season highlight: Richards had assists on both of the Blackhawks’ goals in their 2-0 win over the Tampa Bay Lightning in Game 6 of the Stanley Cup finals.
Season lowlight: Richards had to wait to become the team’s second-line center. It wasn’t until the second month of the season he finally got a chance to play alongside Kane.
Final grade: B.
Inside the numbers: Kane had 33 points in 5-on-5 play this season and 24 of those came with Richards on the ice.
Quote: Kane on Richards: He’s a good guy, but he’s a good hockey player. You saw what he’s done in the past with his career, his numbers and everything speak for itself. But more than that, I think living in the same building with him, driving around with him, getting to know him really well, I call him a really good friend and probably someone, if he’s not back here, that I’d stay in touch with. It was a pleasure playing with him.”
What’s next: Richards officially moved on from the Blackhawks on Wednesday. He signed a one-year deal with the Detroit Red Wings. The Blackhawks and Red Wings play in the opening preseason game in Chicago.
