Brad Richards wasted no time showing what he can do for the Dallas Stars.

Richards had a career-high five points — all on assists — in his Dallas debut, setting up new linemate Niklas Hagman's first NHL hat trick and sending the Stars past the Chicago Blackhawks 7-4 on Thursday night.

Brad Richards skates up ice in his Dallas Stars' debut on Thursday.
(Donna McWilliam/Associated Press)

Richards arrived Tuesday as the centerpiece of a five-player deal with Tampa Bay because Stars co-general manager Brett Hull figured the 2004 Conn Smythe Trophy winner could make a good offence even better.

Proof came on Richards' second shift, just 4:57 into his Stars tenure, when he put a long pass right on the blade of Hagman's stick at the lip of the goal for a tap-in score.

Hagman smiled wide and pumped his fisted glove toward Richards in appreciation.

He repeated the gesture in the second period after scoring another goal on a play started by Richards, then Hagman gave Richards a few taps on the helmet after their third hookup, which came on a third-period power play.

Richards pretty much did everything but score — including getting physical.

He got away with shoving a Chicago player during a third-period staredown.

His five points were the most by any Dallas player since Mike Modano had five on Feb. 10, 2002.