[NHL] $69 million for Mike Richards

[Fred Derf Veteran]

Richards signs 12-year deal with Flyers

Bob McKenzie

12/13/2007 6:24:11 PM

Centre Mike Richards, who has emerged as one of the league's top two-way forwards this season, has signed a contract extension with the Philadelphia Flyers.

TSN has learned it is a 12-year extension for $69 million that averages out at $5.75 million per year for the cap hit.

"It is a unique contract for a unique player," said Pat Morris, the agent that represents Richards, told the Associated Press. "I don't think that it will set off a trend for other players by any means."

Richards was scheduled to be a restricted free agent after this season, but the extension will take him off the market and keep him in Philadelphia.

In his third NHL season, Richards has exploded offensively. He leads the Flyers in goals (14), assists (20) and points (34).

A reflection of his complete play his season: Richards has four powerplay goals, three shorthanded goals and three game-winning goals. He also has a +10 rating.

A former first round pick, 24th overall in 2003, Richards has 35 goals and 100 points in 166 NHL games.

Year Salary Signing Bonus

1 4.4 million 1 million

2 5.6 million

3 5.4 million 1 million

4 5.4 million 1.2 million

5 5.4 million 3 million

6 7.6 million

7 7 million

8 6 million

9 5.5 million

10 4.5 million

11 3 million

12 3 million

http://www.tsn.ca/nhl/news_story/?ID=225091&hubname=

[Boffa Jones Veteran]

Wow that is super surprising. I mean, it will suck if they want to trade him or he wants to leave, no?

[mikebiacsi]

Wow that is a big contract. Looks like he's going to be the face of the franchise for a long time. It's gonna be very tough for Philly to move him on if things don't work out though.

[DreadBoat89]

i wonder if all these long term contracts are good ideas... players could be good in the beginning, but years later they could become pure crap.