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Look who’s back: Kings recall Mike Richards

St Louis Blues v Los Angeles Kings - Game Three

LOS ANGELES, CA - MAY 03: (R) Mike Richards #10 of the Los Angeles Kings celebrates his second period power play goal with teammate Anze Kopitar #11 against the St. Louis Blues in Game Three of the Western Conference Semifinals during the 2012 NHL Stanley Cup Playoffs at Staples Center on May 3, 2012 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Harry How/Getty Images)

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The Los Angeles Kings are scratching and clawing for a playoff spot, so maybe it only makes sense that they’re exploring every avenue to survive. Apparently that involves bringing back Mike Richards.

(The news was confirmed here.)

The Kings begin a five-game road trip against the New Jersey Devils on Monday, so they’re likely hoping for boost from a familiar face. Richards’ return was teased a little more than a week ago.

There’s some speculation that the recall was timed as much for cap reasons as it was for this challenging run:

Jarret Stoll’s injury is another big reason for the recall.

Richards, 30, has been an expensive AHL player for 16 games, collecting 14 points at that level with the Manchester Monarchs. He was a part of the Kings’ two Stanley Cup-winning squads, so chances are that he’ll be able to get back in the mix with limited trouble.

Follow James O’Brien @cyclelikesedins