Former Philadelphia Flyer captain and two-time Stanley Cup-winner with the Los Angeles Kings Mike Richards hasn't had the best run of late. He played poorly last season for the Kings and was subsequently demoted to the AHL. His 12-year, $69 million contract was terminated this offseason by the Kings after he was detained at a border crossing, an incident that would ultimately result in charges of possession of a controlled substance. In short, Richards, still awaiting a hearing in January, has seen his stock fall about as far as it can for an NHLer. And yet, he seemingly remains on the path to a return to the league.
And it sure sounds like there won't be a shortage of suitors should Richards' comeback become a reality. According to Elliotte Friedman of Sportsnet, the San Jose Sharks and head coach Peter DeBoer are "eyeing" the possibility of adding Richards.
DeBoer and Sharks assistant coach Steve Spott were with the OHL's Kitchener Rangers when Richards was a player there. And while junior team ties won't be the sole decision-maker when it comes to a possible reunion, it sure sounds like the Sharks are intent on the addition of some much-needed grit.
Per Friedman, the Sharks were gathering "intel" on Zack Kassian, the big power forward dealt from the Montreal Canadiens to the Edmonton Oilers on Monday. Though their interest was not deemed "high," it's interesting that DeBoer seems to feel the Sharks forward corps is lacking a certain element.
Kassian has failed to live up to the billing as a former first-round pick, but Richards, during his most effective days in the NHL, was one of the true difficult to play against two-way centers.
He began skating with the Rangers shortly after he was charged and reports have emerged since suggesting that Richards is intent on a return to the NHL.
Whether that comes with San Jose or not remains to be seen, but with the Sharks stuck in the back of the Western Conference pack and still awaiting the return of Logan Couture, Richards may prove a good fit for the team and DeBoer's stingy style of play.
