Flyers C Richards nearing extension

Dec 13, 2007 - 5:40 PM TORONTO (Ticker) -- The Philadelphia Flyers signed center Mike Richards to a long-term contract extension, TSN of Canada reported Thursday.

Citing sources close to the situation, the web site reported that the deal could be in excess of 10 years - perhaps as many as 12 - and pay the 22-year-old as much as $6 million per season.

Richards, who is scheduled to be a restricted free agent after this season, has been a key player in the resurgence of the Flyers (16-10-2) this season, leading the team with 14 goals and 34 points.

A strong player in all three zones, Richards is plus-10 this season with four power-play goals and three shorthanded tallies.

The Flyers' first-round pick - 24th overall - in 2003, Richards has 35 goals and 100 points in 166 career games.