As a veteran on an NHL club, you generally sign deals that are short in term and are mutually beneficial. Someone like Brad Richards is hunting for more Stanley Cup rings and will give his services to the highest bidder. It just so happened to be with the middle of the road Detroit Red Wings. As an outsider looking in, it wasn’t a great fit, Richards has basically confirmed that according to this report.
Brad Richards talked to the Guardians’ Jason Malloy and had this to say about his time in Detroit:
“It didn’t seem like we ever got firing on all cylinders, just probably wasn’t a great fit for me.”
Then he spoke about the possibility of retirement:
“It’s a young, fast game now. . . With rest and proper training I still have a good year left in me.”
Richards has already had a great career, filled with many career accomplishments. The money can’t be what his decision is about anymore and he will need to most likely take a pay cut on the next team he plays for. Who will it be? A team like the Los Angeles Kings seem like they would be a fit but could be weary of veteran players as the team was burned by Vincent LeCavalier down the stretch.
No matter what happens in the months ahead, Richards has had a hell of a career even with a down year playing for the Red Wings.
