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Report: Richards’ border incident involved oxycodone

Los Angeles Kings v New York Rangers

Los Angeles Kings v New York Rangers

NHLI via Getty Images

After an earlier report from ESPN cited that Richards is part of an “ongoing investigation” by the Royal Canadian Mounted Police, further details have come to light, according to TMZ.

It states:

NHL officials have been notified that the Royal Canadian Mounted Police investigation into ex-L.A. Kings player Mike Richards involves the prescription drug oxycodone ... multiple sources tell TMZ Sports.

Our sources say Richards was stopped while crossing from the United States into Canada on June 17th ... and we’re told he was questioned about oxycodone pills, a powerful painkiller.

Richards hasn’t been charged with a crime and Canadian officials aren’t commenting due to privacy laws. Additionally, the Los Angeles Kings haven’t offered any details on the situation, although they have terminated his contract due to a “material breach.”

Prior to his contract being terminated, Los Angeles was in trade negotiations with the Edmonton Oilers and Calgary Flames. When Kings GM Dean Lombardi became aware of the situation though, he brought those talks to an end.

“He came right over to me,” Oilers GM Peter Chiarelli told ESPN. “He pulled me aside and said, ‘Hey, Pete, this is going to come out. I had no idea. This is important you know so that talks [don’t go any] further.’”

The NHLPA issued a statement that they “are in the process of reviewing the facts” before they determine their course of action.

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