Brad Richards: It'll Take 20 Years To Realize How Special These Blackhawks Are
(CBS) A 15-year NHL veteran, Blackhawks center Brad Richards has some advice for Chicago fans.
Make sure to appreciate this modern dynasty that has seen the Blackhawks win three Stanley Cups in the past six seasons, led by stars Jonathan Toews and Patrick Kane.
"I don't think it will kick in until probably 20 years down the road how special this core group is and what they're doing," Richards said Friday during a stop by the 670 The Score studio for an interview with the Spiegel & Goff Show. "You don't just win three Cups in your first six years, seven years in the league (together). Toewser and Kaner are still 26, 27 years old. They've got eight, 10 years of unbelievable hockey left. There could be more."
Richards signed with the Blackhawks last summer on a one-year deal, finally giving the organization a steady second-line center after years of searching for one. He helped Kane lead the NHL in scoring before the latter's late February broken collarbone.
Richards isn't sure if he'll be back with Chicago, but he was thrilled to be here for at least one.
"There's something special about Toews and Kane and Duncan Keith," Richards said. "Wherever they go, they win. Toewser and Dunc have two gold medals, they got three Stanley Cups. When you get here and see that, it's nice to have that. It's kind of like watching Patriots (of the NFL now) or the Oilers (of the NHL) back in the '80s.
"There's something special about this group. I was just fortunate enough that I was still around and able to come join for one. And you never know -- maybe another one someday. I'm just so happy even after 15 years in the league, I learned so much playing with these players."
Richards expressed his appreciation for the fans of Chicago as well.
"I knew Chicago was a great city and I enjoyed being here all year, but to to see what I just saw in the last three days, I can't put it into words -- images I'll have in my head for the rest of my life," Richards said. "Finishing with that rally and parade yesterday, it's just been unbelievable."
You can listen to Richards' full interview below.