Fantasy impact: The Detroit Red Wings sign center Brad Richards to a one-year contract worth $3 million plus playoff bonuses.
The Red Wings get: An experienced center whose production has fallen over the last several years. After he was the grand prize of 2011 free agency, Brad Richards was bought out by the Rangers last summer and signed a one-year deal with the Stanley Cup champion Blackhawks. Up against the salary cap, the Hawks were not in a position to re-sign Richards.
Fantasy players impacted:
Richards may generally fit in with the Wings as a third-line center, similar to his role with the Hawks last season. However, he may start the season in the top-6, since Pavel Datsyuk may miss the start of the regular season after ankle surgery. Richards could even see some time on the top line if Henrik Zetterberg moves over to left wing. In essence, Richards replaces Stephen Weiss, whose contract was recently bought out by the Wings.
Richards represents a roadblock for younger centers looking to move up the ranks such as Riley Sheahan, Luke Glendening, and Landon Ferraro. But if one or more of these younger players can break out, Richards would likely be phased out with limited icetime as his one-year contract comes to a close.
Richards may be an important contributor to the Wings next season, but don't expect nearly the amount of production he experienced during his Tampa and Dallas years.
Fantasy players this helps:
1. Richards
Fantasy players this hurts:
1. Sheahan
2. Glendening
3. Ferraro
Fantasy owners are discussing this signing now – give your take right here!
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