Mike Richards made his debut for the Manchester Monarchs on Friday. No goals. No points. Two shots on goal. He then spoke about the events of this week, which saw him put on waivers and eventually sent down to the American Hockey League.
“It’s not easy. That’s for sure. But, at the end of the day, I’m a hockey player. I [did] what I was told in LA,” he told Mayors Manor.
“Whether it was third line, second line, fourth line, I do what I was told. I got told to come down here and play, so I do what I’m told. It’s what being a hockey player is all about.
“It is what it is. You play hockey. That’s what I’m here for is to play hockey. I liked LA, I liked the team, but I’m in this position now. I’m a big believer in everything happens for a reason, from being drafted to Philly to being traded to LA. Everything happens for a reason. You just try to make the best out of whatever scenario you’re put in.”
The Kings placed the 29-year-old Richards on waivers on Monday. Not a single team claimed him, and he was then dispatched to Manchester.
With an annual cap hit of $5.75 million through to the 2019 season, Richards’ offensive numbers with the Kings this season have been way down, with five goals and 15 points in 47 games.
L.A.'s general manager Dean Lombardi called placing Richards on waivers a “tough decision” to make.