Mike Richards contract termination triggers grievance from NHLPA
Former L.A. centre had 5 years, $22M US left on deal
The NHL Players' Association has filed a grievance on behalf of Mike Richards against the Los Angeles Kings, contesting the termination of his contract.
The NHLPA has filed a grievance on behalf of Mike Richards contesting the termination of his contract by the LA Kings.
—@NHLPAThe Kings terminated Richards' contract in late June for what they called "a material breach of the requirements" of his contract.
Richards had five years and $22 million US left on his contract.
By terminating the deal, the Kings get out from the final five seasons, and the average annual value of $5.75 million US, of Richards' $69-million US, 12-year contract without a cap penalty.
It was not immediately clear when Richards would have a hearing, though the NHLPA would like the process to be expedited.
Richards is currently a free agent.
The 30-year-old native of Kenora, Ont., is now under investigation by the Royal Canadian Mounted Police for an apparent off-ice incident that occurred on the border of Emerson, Man., and Pembina, N.D.
Once considered a star, Richards has been in decline in recent seasons. He scored five goals and tallied 11 assists in 53 games in 2014-15, a far cry from his 30 goals and 50 assists in 79 games with the Philadelphia Flyers in 2008-09.
In January, Richards was sent down to the Manchester Monarchs of the American Hockey League after clearing waivers.