Blackhawks Sign C Brad Richards To 1-Year Deal

(CBS) The Blackhawks have signed center Brad Richards to a one-year contract, according to multiple reports. The deal is reportedly worth $2 million.

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Richards recorded 20 goals and 31 assists in 82 games last season for the Rangers. Richards will have an early opportunity to fill the second-line center spot for Chicago, a position in which consistent production has eluded the franchise. Youngster Teuvo Teravainen also figures into the mix there, but he probably needs some more seasoning in the NHL first.

Richards was bought out of a nine-year, $60-million deal after he underperformed in the postseason and fell to New York's fourth line. Even at 34, he was remarkably durable, playing in every regular-season game and leading New York forwards with 18:41 of ice time per game.

The move sends the Blackhawks over the salary cap as they currently sit, so they'll have to shed money at some point.