Report: Brad Richards Signs $58M Deal with NY Rangers

(NewsCore) - The NHL's top 2011 free agent, Brad Richards, agreed to a nine-year, $58.5 million deal with the New York Rangers Saturday, the New York Post reported.

Richards, 31, joined the Rangers on the second day of free agency after previous stints with the Dallas Stars and Tampa Bay Lightning.

The Calgary Flames, Los Angeles Kings, Toronto Maple Leafs, Buffalo Sabres, Philadelphia Flyers and Lightning were all in the bidding for the talented playmaker's services.

The center turned down more money from the Flames to go to New York, TSN reported.

Richards' move to New York will reunite him with head coach John Tortorella. He will center the top line alongside Slovakian sniper Marian Gaborik and will quarterback the Power Play.

In 2004 Richards won the Conn Smythe Trophy as playoff MVP of the Stanley Cup-winning Lightning with Tortorella at the helm.

The veteran centerman has 716 points in 772 career games.