Brad Richards signs rich deal with Rangers
NEW YORK, July 2 (UPI) -- Free-agent forward Brad Richards said Saturday he has agreed to join the New York Rangers in a reported $58 million deal.
Richards indicated on his Twitter account he has inked a deal with the Rangers, writing, "Very happy to become a New York Ranger today!!! Playing at MSG will be amazing and looking forward to working with a great young team."
The New York Daily News reported Richards' deal was for $58 million over nine years.
The team had not released an official statement Saturday.
Richards, 31, considered the top free agent on the NHL market this year, has played for the Dallas Stars during the past three seasons after being traded there from Tampa Bay in February 2008.
The Prince Edward Island native won a Stanley Cup title with the Lightning, during which he earned the Conn Smythe honors as playoff MVP. He has racked up 220 career goals and 496 assists for 716 points in 772 regular-season games.
Last season with the Stars, he compiled 28 goals and 49 assists for 77 points in 72 games.
Gilbert wins Stage 1 of Tour de France
LES HERBIERS, France, July 2 (UPI) -- The Tour de France kicked off Saturday with Belgium's Philippe Gilbert capturing the first stage of the cross-country cycling race.
Gilbert, one of the pre-race favorites, lived up to his billing with a time of 4 hours, 41 minutes, 31 seconds in the 118.9-mile dash from Passage du Gois to Mont des Alouettes.
Cadel Evans of Australia crossed the finish line 3 seconds behind Gilbert and 3 seconds ahead of Norwegian Thor Hushovd.
Defending champion Alberto Contador of Spain got caught in traffic after a late crash along the course and finished the day in 82nd place, 1 minute, 20 seconds behind Gilbert.
The race continues Sunday with a 14.2-mile race around the town of Les Essarts. The Tour culminates July 24.
Maple Leafs sign Connolly to 2-year deal
TORONTO, July 2 (UPI) -- The Toronto Maple Leafs said Saturday they have signed free-agent forward Tim Connolly to a reported two-year, $9.5 million contract.
Connolly, who has spent most of his 10-year NHL career with the Buffalo Sabres, has racked up 118 goals and 277 assists for 395 total points in 627 contests.
Last year, he was fifth on the Sabres in scoring with 42 points in 62 games.
The 30-year-old center, however, has had a history of injury problems. He has not played as many as 80 games in a season since 2002-03, sustaining a pair of concussions and other injuries.
The Globe and Mail reported the Leafs have committed $9.5 million to Connolly despite the injury risk.
Dave Nonis, vice president of player personnel, told the newspaper he is "comfortable with his health" and said Connolly will "be given a chance to play in the top six."
Caps sign goalie Vokoun to 1-year deal
WASHINGTON, July 2 (UPI) -- Free-agent goalie Tomas Vokoun has signed a one-year contract with the Washington Capitals, the NHL team said Saturday.
Vokoun, 35, compiled a 22-28-5 mark, including six shutouts, in 57 games last season with the Florida Panthers.
His acquisition fills a void for the Capitals, who Friday dealt 23-year-old netminder Semyon Varlamov to the Colorado Rockies for two draft picks.
The Caps didn't disclose the terms of the deal, but multiple reports indicated it was for $1.5 million.
"We are excited to add an elite veteran goaltender to the Capitals," Washington General Manager George McPhee said. "We now have a nice blend of talent, depth, experience and youth in the goaltending position."
The Czech goalie is a two-time all-star who has compiled a 262-267-76 record, 2.56 GAA, .917 save percentage and 44 shutouts in 632 career games with the Canadiens, Nashville and Panthers.
