LOS ANGELES (AP) — Mike Richards played for the Stanley Cup just two years ago in Philadelphia. He believes a summer trade to the Los Angeles Kings put him in position to contend again.
After a decade of false starts and small improvements, the Kings firmly believe they have the depth, talent and experience to join the NHL’s elite. The arrival of Richards, a talented two-way center and the former Flyers captain, is among the biggest reasons Los Angeles intends to take the next step toward its first Stanley Cup.
The Kings acquired Richards and Simon Gagne, who teamed together in Philadelphia, to improve their offense, then solidified the defense Thursday night when Drew Doughty agreed to an eight-year, $56 million contract.
