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:
@reporterchris Wonder if it was cap-related that he wasn't recalled sooner. Seems like a loophole of sorts.
— James Mirtle (@mirtle) March 22, 2015
Jarret Stoll’s injury is another big reason for the recall.
Kings still aren't sure exactly how long Stoll will be out. Was injured last week and still isn't skating. So Richards called up
— Pierre LeBrun (@PierreVLeBrun) March 22, 2015
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.