Broadway Brad: Brad Richards should be remembered as a successful Ranger whose leadership was invaluable to the team’s success.
AP Photo/Frank Franklin II

Yesterday, the Rangers used their amnesty clause to buyout Brad Richards. A move that was expected once a great run to the Stanley Cup Final ended. For Glen Sather, it was back to business as usual. In clearing Richards’ $6.67 cap hit, it allows the club much needed cap space to focus on re-signing other key free agents including Brian Boyle, Anton Stralman, Dominic Moore, Benoit Pouliot. Derick Brassard, Mats Zuccarello, Chris Kreider and John Moore are all restricted.

“Tough last few days,” Richards said in a statement released by the team. “I loved being a Ranger and living in New York and playing at MSG in front of great fans. I’ve met many new friends, excellent teammates and staff, and I have memories that I will cherish for a lifetime.

“(General manager) Glen Sather, the management and owner, Mr. Dolan, are all class acts. I want to thank them for letting me be a part of New York life and the Rangers family. With this decision finalized, I can now look forward to starting the next chapter in my career.”

It’s never easy to see a popular player depart. Especially one with Richards’ character. His leadership and intangibles were vital parts of this year’s team that made its first trip to the Cup Final since 1994. He was a driving force helping rally teammates when they trailed the Penguins 3-1 in the second round. It was a closed door meeting he called with Martin St. Louis that reminded them that a series can change instantly. Combined with St. Louis’ sudden loss of Mom France, they made club history by winning from a 3-1 deficit for the first time while also disposing a rival they’d never beaten. Fittingly, Richards scored the series clincher in a panic attack ridden 2-1 Game 7 win with Henrik Lundqvist carrying them to an Eastern Conference Final against the Canadiens.

Ultimately, they rode the wave of momentum in defeating Montreal in six to become Eastern Conference Champions. The best part is they did it in front of delirious Garden Faithful giving us a once in a lifetime experience we won’t soon forget. Even though they fell short against the Kings in a competitive five games that saw three of the five go to overtime, it was a successful year. One where Sather rolled the dice dealing away popular captain Ryan Callahan for St. Louis.

In his place, Richards became the de facto captain always at his locker to answer questions. He had a good bounce back season posting 20 goals and 51 points while adding five goals and seven assists in the postseason. Even though he struggled towards the tail end, his leadership isn’t easily replaced. Neither is his production. He still was a second line center who assumed heavy responsibility manning the point on the power play. And while it hurt seeing him make mistakes, he was a guy you rooted for. Especially with how rudely John Tortorella treated him.

Don’t forget Richards’ first season on Broadway in which he tallied 25 goals and 41 assists for 66 points with seven power play goals and nine game-winners. All that team did was finish with the East’s best record and make their first Conference Final since ’97. Without his Game 5 heroics against the Capitals in Round Two, they probably don’t make it. That was an unreal moment for me as I had journeyed downstairs and wound up at ice level where he scored through a maze sending MSG into jubilation. Marc Staal would later win it.

Richards gave us three pretty good seasons. When Sather signed him for nine years and $60 million, everyone knew there was no chance he’d play out the contract. When you view the team success getting to two Final Fours and finally returning to play for Lord Stanley, Richards signing paid for itself. He leaves a rich man who will receive two-third of the remainder that’ll be delivered over 12 years. It totals out to $12.6 million.

At 34, he isn’t done and can still help someone that’s close. I can easily see a Richards sequel in Tampa. They can use another experienced center with leadership. Columbus would also be a good fit. Where ever he winds up, I’ll support him unless he plays us. Richie is well respected by teammates and management.

“Brad’s leadership and guidance for our young players was invaluable to the organization. We are grateful to have had the professionalism and experience he brought as an example for our team to follow. Brad has been a very good player for us and an even better person. We wish him all the best in his future endeavours,” Sather praised.

“I am a big fan of Brad Richards,” Alain Vigneault said. “He is a classy, classy individual. If you look at Brad’s overall season he had a real good year.

“I am very happy with what he brought to the table. A veteran player from Day One that was a real good extension of the coaching staff in the dressing room. He should walk away from this season very pleased with how he played and how he contributed to our team.”

Thank you Richie.