The Tampa Bay Lightning began what figures to be an offseason of change by ensuring their future includes Brad Richards.
The 2004 Stanley Cup playoffs MVP signed a new five-year, $39 million contract instead of opting to become a restricted free agent on July 1. The $7.8 million average annual salary is more than twice the $3.4 million he made while leading the Lightning in scoring this season.
With Richards’ re-signing, this has been a great week in Tampa Bay sports. The Devil Rays had probably their best week of baseball since their inception, with Scott Kazmir establishing himself as one of the game’s best left-handed pitchers. The Lightning’s re-signing of Richards is the best indication that the franchise wants to get back to the top after a tough season this year.