Lightning Sign Defenseman Luke Richardson

[Thrillhouse]

TAMPA BAY – The Tampa Bay Lightning have signed defenseman Luke Richardson to a one-year, $500,000 contract today, Executive Vice President and General Manager Jay Feaster announced.

Richardson, a 6-foot-4, 215-pound, 19-year NHL veteran, has accumulated 1,312 games in his career with Toronto, Edmonton, Philadelphia and Columbus. He has netted 33 goals and handed out 156 assists in his career which began in 1987 with the Toronto Maple Leafs. He has also played in 69 career Stanley Cup Playoff games and recorded eight assists. He split the 2005-06 season between Columbus and Toronto.

"Prior to trading Darryl Sydor to Dallas we had identified Luke as the player we wanted to bring into our organization to effectively take over Syd's role,” Feaster said. “We made our contract offer to Luke and had to wait because we weren't the only team in the mix for his services. The ideal situation would have been to have Luke signed before we executed the trade. However, the trade would not wait. We made our deal and then did everything we could to convince Luke to choose Tampa as his destination.

“Not only did Claude Loiselle work hard with Luke's agents, but Director of Player Personnel, Bill Barber, had numerous conversations with Luke about the merits of playing in Tampa. In the end, Luke's relationship with Billy and also with Craig Ramsay went a long way in terms of influencing his decision. We view Luke as a very dependable, hard-nosed, honest, hard-working defenseman who brings a veteran presence to our blue line and our room. He is a rugged, gritty d-man who brings a physical presence and will be able to settle things down on the ice when necessary. We are thrilled to add him to the Lightning organization."

Richardson, 37, played under Ramsay during the 1999-00 season when the Flyers went to the Eastern Conference Finals. He played in 18 games that postseason and recorded one assist. It was the second time in his career he reached the Conference Finals after playing 16 playoff games with Edmonton in 1992.

The Ottawa, Ontario native began the 2005-06 season serving as the Blue Jackets’ captain for the second consecutive season. He played in 44 games with Columbus, scoring one goal and adding six assists. He was traded to Toronto on March 8 and played in 21 games with the Maple Leafs. He recorded three assists with 41 penalty minutes.

Richardson’s last international performance came with Team Canada at the 1996 World Championships in Vienna, Austria. He also won the Gold Medal at the 1994 World Championships in Milan, Italy. It was Canada’s first Gold Medal since 1961. Richardson also won a silver medal at the 1986 World Junior Championships in Hamilton, Ontario.

In his junior career, Richardson skated in 122 games with the Peterborough Petes and scored 19 goals with 50 assists before going directly to the NHL in 1987. He was Toronto’s first round pick, seventh overall, in the 1987 NHL Entry Draft.

[DaleHunter32]

"Prior to trading Darryl Sydor to Dallas we had identified Luke as the player we wanted to bring into our organization to effectively take over Syd's role,”

sh!t like this is why they will not see another cup run any time soon. When they go out in the off season and lose (trade) players who helped them win the cup and replace them with players like Rob DiMao and Luke Richardson

all i can do is sit back and laugh

[jgdeadrabbit]

Originally Posted by DaleHunter32

replace them with players like Rob DiMao and Luke Richardson

If they would have gotten them both 8 years ago......when they could have contributed.

[Isles4life]

I mean, at least he provides some leadership, but that's about it at this stage in his career.

[Humpzilla]

Well at least someone will drop the gloves besides Vinny....

[Blouin]

One year deal is worth it.

[DaleHunter32]

Originally Posted by Isles4life

I mean, at least he provides some leadership, but that's about it at this stage in his career.

Dave Andreychuk provided leadership, all the way to the cup, and look what they did with him......... ran his ass out of town

and in regards to Luke tossing the mits, i doubt your gonna see that out of him. What you will see is a whole lot of penalties b/c of his lack of speed.

It's amazing how this article talks about how he was in contract talks with a LOT of teams, and still comes out with a 1 year $500K deal.... teams must have been offering league min. to this guy for him not to take ALL those other offers. And if all these teams were interested in him this off season, where were they when he was waived last year by the Jackets?

[Jensen]

Well, can't say anything good about this signing but he can drop the gloves and provides some leadership I guess.

[BROKEN*ORBITAL]

Luke Richardson was a great addition down the stretch last year for the Leafs. He essentially replaced Ken Klee who the Buds shipped off to Jersey and did a fantastic job. As a 5th or 6th defenceman he will help, beyond that you are over relying on him. Getting him at a half mil is a minor bargain. Good signing if the Bolts use him right.

[doonacas]

anything is better than darryl sydor...he was sooooo awful at the end of the season. Plus...he might not even win a roster spot if sarich gets signed.

[DaleHunter32]

Originally Posted by doonacas

anything is better than darryl sydor...he was sooooo awful at the end of the season. Plus...he might not even win a roster spot if sarich gets signed.

if you think Sydor is awful.... your in for a treat when you see lucky Luke take about 4 min. in penalties a game. At least Sydor could play on the PP, Luke hasn't man'd the PP since 87. As for Sarich.... he's no jem either (ask Souray)... lose sydor/kubina.... they should have just let boyle go too, so they can start from scratch

this team could rival the C aps with the worst off season moves, or lack of

[NJDevils17]

i much rather have sydor than richardson. how man cups has richardson won? 0. sydor: 2. sydor also is a 2time allstar.

[BM24]

Of course Sydor is better than Richardson. But he also makes almost 2 million dollars more than him.

This move wasn't just about replacing Sydor, but getting a dman who can play a certain amount of minutes and take a cheap price.

Richardson actually played decent hockey to finish the season with the Leafs last season.

[Podollan]

If he have a few Fights and make the Lightnings tougher I don't care how aweful he plays