b3. Posted December 30, 2015 Share Posted December 30, 2015 Quote Former Los Angeles Kings center and unrestricted free agent Mike Richards could be drawing interest from San Jose, according to report. On Tuesday, Hockey Night in Canada’s Elliotte Friedman wrote that the Sharks are “eyeing” Richards, who played junior hockey for Pete DeBoer and Steve Spott at OHL Kitchener. Richards played junior hockey for Kitchener for four years under DeBoer from 2001-05, including a 2003 Memorial Cup win. In 2005, DeBoer was a part of Canada's coaching staff for the World Junior Championships that resulted in a gold medal. Richards was the captain of that club. "I’ve always been a fan, but also he’s a guy that I’ve tried to stay in contact with over the years," DeBoer said on Tuesday. "I’ve always followed his career. Glad to see that he’s back and training and might come back, but beyond that, no other relationship.” A 30-year-old center, Richards had his 12-year, $69 million contract terminated by the Kings in the offseason due to a “material breach” after he was detained at the Canadian border. He is awaiting trial in January for allegedly trying to enter Canada with the painkiller oxycodone, so he's likely to remain a free agent until his legal issues get straightened out. DeBoer admitted that he's been in contact with Richards since his off-ice troubles came to light, but it was strictly on a personal basis. Still, he believes Richards can return to the NHL and become an effective player again. “I think he can. I think he can," DeBoer said. "I have had a conversation with him in the last few months just to check in on how he’s doing, and it seems like he’s in a really good place. Just from a personal standpoint, I had the conversation, not reaching out for any other reason other than just checking in on a guy I have a lot of respect for. I believe he will come back and play in the league again, I really do, based on what I know about him.” Richards was originally drafted in the first round (24th overall) of the 2003 draft by the Philadelphia Flyers, where he was a two-time 30-goal scorer in 2008-09 and 2009-10. He served as the Flyers captain from the start of the 2008-09 season until he was traded to Los Angeles on June 23, 2011. There, Richards was part of both of the Kings’ Stanley Cup teams in 2012 and 2014, but his play sharply declined throughout his tenure in Los Angeles. He was eventually waived by the Kings last season and spent time in AHL Manchester. In 53 games with Los Angeles in 2014-15, Richards had five goals and 11 assists. In 710 career NHL games, Richards has 179 goals and 303 assists for 482 points and 577 penalty minutes.[\quote] Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SedinMadness Posted December 30, 2015 Share Posted December 30, 2015 despite his problems off the ice he can be a very effective player for any team. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Lancaster Posted December 30, 2015 Share Posted December 30, 2015 Still only 30. Theoretically, he can resurrect his career if he really wants to. Some time away from the game, train like crazy, eat right and commit to being a professional...... fits the billing of a low-risk, high-reward type player. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Fanuck Posted December 30, 2015 Share Posted December 30, 2015 I guess if some team is willing to be open minded and give Kass another chance, albeit with another organization, why doesn't this guy deserve another chance in the league? This is CDC of course, so I'm sure people will let me know why not. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
-Vintage Canuck- Posted December 30, 2015 Share Posted December 30, 2015 According to John Hoven, the Oilers and Capitals are also interested in Mike Richards. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Lockhart Posted December 30, 2015 Share Posted December 30, 2015 Isn't he painfully slow now? Either because of injuries or the game has changed a bit since he was good. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Gstank29 Posted December 30, 2015 Share Posted December 30, 2015 5 minutes ago, -Vintage Canuck- said: According to John Hoven, the Oilers and Capitals are also interested in Mike Richards. LOL Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DownUndaCanuck Posted December 30, 2015 Share Posted December 30, 2015 Say what you want about him, we really could have used him as a stop-gap at center. Horvat's still struggling at times (granted he's a lot better than before) and Sutter's nearly back, but we lost a lot of games because we missed that shutdown center who can play 15 minutes, kill penalties and win faceoffs. Even a crappy old Richards would have helped us. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
linden17 Posted December 30, 2015 Share Posted December 30, 2015 it is very possible that his drop off in play was due to his drug use. if he is clean and commited he should be able to be a decent player in this league. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
hatedkid666 Posted December 30, 2015 Share Posted December 30, 2015 if he has figured it out his off ice problem then he'll be an amazing pick up Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Scorevat Posted December 30, 2015 Share Posted December 30, 2015 1 hour ago, Gstank29 said: LOL Kass Richards n Mcdavid can do some rails before games together #teambonding Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Gstank29 Posted December 30, 2015 Share Posted December 30, 2015 1 minute ago, Kassassinate said: Kass Richards n Mcdavid can do some rails before games together #teambonding I honestly can't tell if they are doing this on purpose or if it's just for Lolz They really need to do something about that locker room..... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JV77 Posted December 30, 2015 Share Posted December 30, 2015 Can't believe he is still only 30. I still think he can be a very good player and a no. 2 center. He needs to be on a team where he will be counted and leaned like he once was for all situations. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Edlerberry Posted December 30, 2015 Share Posted December 30, 2015 2 hours ago, b3. said: “I think he can. I think he can," DeBoer said. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
thad Posted December 30, 2015 Share Posted December 30, 2015 2 hours ago, DownUndaCanuck said: Say what you want about him, we really could have used him as a stop-gap at center. Horvat's still struggling at times (granted he's a lot better than before) and Sutter's nearly back, but we lost a lot of games because we missed that shutdown center who can play 15 minutes, kill penalties and win faceoffs. Even a crappy old Richards would have helped us. The Mike Richards of today? I doubt it. Everyone except the twins, Hansen and cracknell quit playing for a while there. I don't even think Philly Richards could have won us very many more games. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Canuck Surfer Posted December 30, 2015 Share Posted December 30, 2015 3 hours ago, Kassassinate said: Kass Richards n Mcdavid can do some rails before games together #teambonding Mike Richards, healthy (whatever that means) >>>> Zach Kassian. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ice orca Posted December 30, 2015 Share Posted December 30, 2015 He would be better at face offs than anything we have now. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DeltaSwede Posted December 30, 2015 Share Posted December 30, 2015 12 hours ago, -Vintage Canuck- said: According to John Hoven, the Oilers and Capitals are also interested in Mike Richards. Mike and Zack would sure make Edmonton a more fun place to visit! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BeefcakeBo Posted December 30, 2015 Share Posted December 30, 2015 14 hours ago, Fanuck said: I guess if some team is willing to be open minded and give Kass another chance, albeit with another organization, why doesn't this guy deserve another chance in the league? This is CDC of course, so I'm sure people will let me know why not. I don't think people will because this guy is actually good enough to come back to be a dominant player that he once was. Kassian has never been good and likely remains that way forever. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Coconuts Posted January 1, 2016 Share Posted January 1, 2016 I'll be surprised if he doesn't catch on with an NHL club once the whole legal bit is dealt with. If he can commit to being a professional, train hard and clean himself up a bit I could easily see him being a serviceable NHL'er again. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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