Richards wants to carry on veteran tradition with Wings

(Photo: Jonathan Daniel, Getty Images)Detroit -- The Red Wings have been known for adding players nearing the end of the careers who have filled valuable roles.

Players such as Brett Hull and Luc Robitaille.

Brad Richards saw that and envisioned himself as filling that type of role.

"They've had a lot of success in the past bringing in veteran guys and integrating them into a role that fits," said Richards, who arrived in town Thursday morning and participated in an informal skate at Joe Louis Arena for the first time.

"I was used to that type of thing in Chicago, going and playing a certain role, not something that I was used to playing in my career, and that prepared me to being open-minded…