This summer was probably a good one for Brad Richards. Of course it would have been nicer had his Rangers been able to get past the New Jersey Devils in the Eastern Conference Finals but,  the acquisition of Rick Nash might have helped ease the pain.

Richards first season in the spotlight of New York City could be measured as a success. The Rangers won the Eastern Conference and got to the Conference Final before Marty Brodeur and the Devils slammed the door on the Stanley Cup dreams. Richards finished the season with a  modest 66 points, down from the previous year.

We’ll allow for a relocation drop off in his first year. Add some possible relationship unrest with ex-girlfriend Olivia Munn and new lady-friend Erin Andrews…allegedly.

The news that Rangers sniper Marian Gaborik  would be shelved for six-months after shoulder surgery, was tempered by the Rangers pursuit of Rick Nash. New york had to give up some talent of course to secure Nash’s services, but Richards stands to gain the most from having the star power forward on his right wing.

Richards has spent his career as a playmaker, though he has a deceptive shot that he’s never shy about taking. He has twice topped the 90-point mark in both Tampa Bay and Dallas two seasons ago. As the Rangers big free agent signing from a year ago, Richards at 32, still has plenty of good tread left on his tires

While Richards isn’t going to win any Selke Trophies, he has improved his play in both ends of the ice. He’s adequate in the faceoff circle, and will pile on the special teams points, particularly on the power play where his silky smooth passing is most effective.

He may not be listed among the elite centers in the NHL but Brad Richards is a great option if you are looking for a point-producing center in beyond the first round. Expect a return to the point-per-game pace that Richards set for himself in his previous two stops.

With Rick Nash on the right and Marian Gaborik returning in December, the Rangers offense should be vastly improved for another run at the Stanley Cup.