(CBS) After doing a quality job of filling a void at second-line center for the Blackhawks in a Stanley Cup run, Brad Richards is leaving Chicago.
Richards, 35, will sign a one-year deal with the Red Wings with $3 million in base pay, according to multiple reports. The compensation could reach $4 million with playoff bonuses, according to ESPN’s Pierre LeBrun.
Richards’ exit comes as little surprise, as the Blackhawks face a cap crunch and $3 million would’ve forced them to move other players. He took a bargain one-year deal of sorts for 2014-’15, playing for $2 million and being rewarded with a key role on a championship team.
Richards had 12 goals and 25 assists in 76 games for Chicago last season.
The Blackhawks’ hope is that Artem Anisimov can fill the second-line center role after they acquired him from the Blue Jackets on Tuesday in a deal centered around Brandon Saad.