The nine year $60 million deal with the New York Rangers slightly boosts Brad Richards’ fantasy value but the real winner is right winger Marian Gaborik.
Analysis: It feels like Brad Richards has been around forever but he is just thirty-one years old and still in his prime. Richards has been a point per game center for the past four years now and was on pace for his third ninety point season, however, a concussion derailed him. Pairing Richards up with Marian Gaborik on the first line and in the power play will certainly boost his assists total. Outside of a boost in assists Richards’ plus/minus may get a slight boost but expect more top notch fantasy play from Richards in the 2011-12 season. The real winner here is Marian Gaborik who will be playing with the best center of his career(sorry Pavol Demitra/Mikko Koivu). The 2010-11 season for Gaborik was most disappointing, netting just 22 goals in 62 games. When it comes to Gaborik, obviously it all comes down to health and if the winger stays healthy expect a return to his 40 goal form if not more.
Projection: Brad Richards remains a top ten fantasy forward and a top five center while Marian Gaborik projects as a top twenty-five forward due to health concerns but could just as easily put up top ten numbers.