Senators Sign Defenceman Luke Richardson

[Manimal]

OTTAWA – The Ottawa Senators announced today the signing of defenceman Luke Richardson to a one-year, two-way contract.

An Ottawa native, Richardson recorded three assists and 16 penalty minutes in 27 games with the Tampa Bay Lightning during the 2006-07 season. In 1,339 career NHL games, he has scored 33 goals, added 159 assists and recorded 2,012 penalty minutes. The defenceman has added eight assists and 130 penalty minutes in 69 career NHL playoff games.

“Luke is a character player who brings experience to our club,” said Senators general manager Bryan Murray. “We feel he can be a leader who can be an great example for our young defenceman to learn from.”

Richardson, 38, brings 19 years of National Hockey League experience to the Senators. Drafted by the Toronto Maple Leafs in the first round (seventh overall) of the 1987 NHL entry draft, Richardson has spent time with Toronto, the Edmonton Oilers, Philadelphia Flyers, Columbus Blue Jackets and Tampa Bay during his career.

[Podollan]

They were not in need of toughness but well. He will prolly be scatched a lot like in Tampa Bay which is okay as he is old. Maybe he will also be a tough Leader for the Baby Sens like Jamie Alison was.

Anyway the Sens are very tough with McGrattan,Neil, Carkner, Fischer, Bois,Robbins..

[xELi]

I still love Richardson. What a warrior he once was

[staal4pm]

Originally Posted by xELi

I still love Richardson. What a warrior he once was

I agree. Luke Richardson was always a good, tough, team guy. Hopefully he'll get into a few of the Leaf games. Perhaps this is a sign of Ottawa following the Anaheim mold.

[Isles4life]

I didn't think he would still be around. He was a warrior in his day, not sure what he's got left in the tank.

[DaveBrown69]

Originally Posted by Isles4life

I didn't think he would still be around. He was a warrior in his day, not sure what he's got left in the tank.

I agree with both points. Was a great warrior that I respect and I wonder what he has left in the tank. We'll see this year. Hopefully he'll get the call for a few games.

[LGB24]

I know Richardson is getting old but the Sens need that tough,crease clearing defenseman. Sens d's are too nice in front of the net. Luke clears the crease better than anyone. Although he is getting old, i'm sure he won't see that much ice time unless someone gets hurt. Glad to see him in a Sens jersey though

[FlyersEnforcer]

I loved watching Richardson in Philly. Good to see he is still getting paid.

[Humpzilla]

Richardson must really need the money, 'cuz he's really not playing that much anymore. Hopefully the Senators give him more of a chance than the Lightning did last season.

[TwentyOneKords]

Originally Posted by xELi

I still love Richardson. What a warrior he once was

Yep me too. There was a time in Philly when he was the only one who did the dirty work and he took some beatings for the team. Good to see him still around.

[rondo]

Originally Posted by LGB24

I know Richardson is getting old but the Sens need that tough,crease clearing defenseman. Sens d's are too nice in front of the net. Luke clears the crease better than anyone. Although he is getting old, i'm sure he won't see that much ice time unless someone gets hurt. Glad to see him in a Sens jersey though

Good first post. The sens do need to be a little more nasty in front of there own net.

[xELi]

Richardson is definitely on my top 5 flyers list. He was a punching bag early in his career but he got better and better and the last 2 years with the flyers he almost never lost. Remember he beat Laus and knocked Bonvie on his ass. He is the best team guy ever always stud up for his teammates. Hoping for Jason Smith to take his place.