NHL Rumors: Brad Richards interested in Tampa Bay Lightning

The New York Rangers finally bought out the bad contract of Brad Richards this week and as a result he’s going to hit free agency this summer like so many other veteran skaters looking for work.

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We know he won’t be back in New York — unless the Islanders want to see if he fits — so that means Richards will likely be linked to a slew of different contenders this summer looking for some veteran assistance. While places like Chicago, Anaheim, Pittsburgh and even Detroit can be listed among the possibilities, Richards might be heading back to an old team of his to recoup and restart his career.

According to the Tampa Bay Times, the Tampa Bay Lightning could be reunited with Richards this offseason as the veteran skater has stated that he has interest in possibly signing with the Bolts.

Agent for @BRichards_1991 says veteran would "certainly respond positively to interest from Tampa." Unclear, however, if Richards is a fit
— Joe Smith (@JoeSmithNHL) June 21, 2014

Richards may still have some good ears left in him, but the biggest sticking point with the Rangers was that he just wasn’t worth the money they were throwing at him. He’s going to come significantly cheaper than he was getting paid with the Rangers and his lack of production will lower his price as well.

The question is do teams think Richards is worth a decent contract as that’s what he’ll be looking for but hasn’t proven recently that he’s worth it.