We’ve outright ignored former Tampa Bay Lightning center Brad Richards placement on the free agent market (with thanks to his compliance buyout from the New York Rangers a few weeks ago). We’ve done so for a good reason too: Tampa Bay is stocked (…for the most part) at center. Still, rumors float around, especially when casual reference is made by marquee media personalities.
Where Brad Richards will go ? Panthers, Lightning, NYI or Blackhawks or another one? It will be interesting. #tvasports
— Renaud Lavoie (@renlavoietva) July 1, 2014
While I could easily see Brad in Sunrise (they need veteran leadership) that has likely ended with the Dave Bolland signing. You could also see him potentially remaining in the New York area with the Islanders, it seems like a stretch he will be heading back to Tampa.
For what it’s worth, Richards stated previous interest in a return to the Lightning while GM Steve Yzerman did pitch an offer to Brad when he became an unrestricted free agent in 2011. That was a much different Tampa Bay Lightning club, though.
<33>Update
Brad Richards confirmed to Chicago. #SNSigningSeason
— John Shannon (@JSportsnet) July 1, 2014
So, the Bradmaster moves back west and the fourth player in the Richards sweepstakes, the one I neglected to talk about in the initial report, wins. And they get him for a song:
Brad Richards has a NMC in his one year, $2M deal with CHI.
— Bob McKenzie (@TSNBobMcKenzie) July 1, 2014
