Richards on buyout: 'I can now look forward to starting the next chapter of my career'

The New York Rangers used their final compliance buyout on center Brad Richards Friday afternoon. Richards was widely speculated to be bought out by the Rangers and will become a free agent this summer.

When asked about the decision, Richards told The New York Post, "Glen Sather, the management, and the owner, Mr. [James] Dolan, are all class acts. I want to thank them for letting me be a part of New York life and the Rangers family."

He continued, "With this decision finalized, I can now look forward to starting the next chapter of my career."

Richards won't likely be left on the market too long as a veteran forward is often what teams look for to pad their roster.

General manager Glen Sather expressed his gratitude towards the veteran, "Brad has been a very good player for us and an even better person. We wish him all the best in his future endeavors."