Mike Richards IV: Started From The Bottom, Still Here *MOD WARNING Post #194*

[Ziggy Stardust]

Was thinking ahead to the possibility of losing Williams and who would be a great replacement.

On the free agent side, Drew Stafford, who has had a career resurgence in Winnipeg, may be a good option.

Another one on the trade front to consider (that is if he is available) would be Jordan Eberle. Maybe a deal centered around Muzzin for Eberle? The Oilers need D, the Kings, if they are able to re-sign Sekera and possibly get Voynov back next season would have a crowded blueline.

Deal from a position of strength to fill a need for a sniper who has the ability to finish, especially when it comes to one-on-one situations.

 

[Herby]

The Kings could use a skilled player with some size and ability in front of the net, especially on the PP.

Would Philly consider a deal involving Muzzin and Simmonds as the key pieces?

Then again, the Kings significant need for next season is at center and maybe looking for a winger isn't the right move.

 

[Herby]

Telos,

I still don't get how finances had anything to do with MR being sent to Manchester, heard you say that a couple of times, and unless my math is off that just isn't a statement of fact. All but 925k of his cap hit counted against the cap and the Kings called up Nick Shore who's cap hit was 925k so it was an even wash in cap space with the Kings actually taking a hit in actual dollars by having to pay Shore his NHL salary of 925k as opposed to his AHL salary of 65k before the call-up.

Am I missing something?

 

[Raccoon Jesus]

Telos,

I still don't get how finances had anything to do with MR being sent to Manchester, heard you say that a couple of times, and unless my math is off that just isn't a statement of fact. All but 925k of his cap hit counted against the cap and the Kings called up Nick Shore who's cap hit was 925k so it was an even wash in cap space with the Kings actually taking a hit in actual dollars by having to pay Shore his NHL salary of 925k as opposed to his AHL salary of 65k before the call-up.

Am I missing something?

DId it help us with the trade deadline at all? Since it gets adjusted daily and all.

I"m genuinely not sure at all, to be fair, just spitballing.

 

[The Slap Shop]

DId it help us with the trade deadline at all? Since it gets adjusted daily and all.

I"m genuinely not sure at all, to be fair, just spitballing.

It might have helped a bit to gain deadline space, but I don't think it would have had too much of an effect. Richards technically only saved us 925K which was used up by Shore.

The biggest thing is that the Kings can use now is Slava Voynov's LTIR. Before it was a risk because there was always an off chance that he could somehow be acquitted of his charges. Now that the trial is pushed back till April 21st and the end of the regular season, the Kings can use that space if needed freely without having to worry about Voynov being back on the cap.

Also you can tell the Kings were never really that worried about cap space and Pearson and Martinez never went on LTIR during their injuries.

 

[Raccoon Jesus]

It might have helped a bit to gain deadline space, but I don't think it would have had too much of an effect. Richards technically only saved us 925K which was used up by Shore.

The biggest thing is that the Kings can use now is Slava Voynov's LTIR. Before it was a risk because there was always an off chance that he could somehow be acquitted of his charges. Now that the trial is pushed back till April 21st and the end of the regular season, the Kings can use that space if needed freely without having to worry about Voynov being back on the cap.

Also you can tell the Kings were never really that worried about cap space and Pearson and Martinez never went on LTIR during their injuries.

I think that's the biggest piece I was forgetting about. Thanks!

*closes archived capgeek page*

 

[strongbad]

They couldn't leave him in the AHL.

If the Kings want to move him at the draft, then Richards needs to make an impact at the NHL level. Worst case, waive him in the off-season and hope someone bites this time around.

Hopefully he helps the playoff push.

 

[SFKingshomer]

I don't think they should trade Muzzin but I'd be ok with shopping Martinez. I've always liked Lars Eller but Habs fans seem to want him gone so maybe he's not as good as advertised.

 

[kingsfan]

It might have helped a bit to gain deadline space, but I don't think it would have had too much of an effect. Richards technically only saved us 925K which was used up by Shore.

The biggest thing is that the Kings can use now is Slava Voynov's LTIR. Before it was a risk because there was always an off chance that he could somehow be acquitted of his charges. Now that the trial is pushed back till April 21st and the end of the regular season, the Kings can use that space if needed freely without having to worry about Voynov being back on the cap.

Also you can tell the Kings were never really that worried about cap space and Pearson and Martinez never went on LTIR during their injuries.

If I'm not mistaken, you can't put a player on LTIR until you need the cap space (IE, you would be over the cap if you didn't put them on LTIR).

 

[YP44]

If I'm not mistaken, you can't put a player on LTIR until you need the cap space (IE, you would be over the cap if you didn't put them on LTIR).

that's correct.
The guys post still applies though as DL did not want to go over the cap by voynov's contract as he was unsure when or if Voynov would be back.
Now that Voynov will not be back till after the regular season (if at all) DL can go over and put Voynov on LTIR.

 

[Telos]

Telos,

I still don't get how finances had anything to do with MR being sent to Manchester, heard you say that a couple of times, and unless my math is off that just isn't a statement of fact. All but 925k of his cap hit counted against the cap and the Kings called up Nick Shore who's cap hit was 925k so it was an even wash in cap space with the Kings actually taking a hit in actual dollars by having to pay Shore his NHL salary of 925k as opposed to his AHL salary of 65k before the call-up.

Am I missing something?

The Kings had his hit register at around $1.9 million. Because of that we were able to get a defenseman. Before he was sent down we didn't even have enough money to call up Weal because of this landslide mess caused by the Voynov situation. As poor as Richards was playing compared to his standard, if he and Shore cost the same I doubt the Kings would send him down in favor of Shore. That $5.75 million cap hit is Richards' undoing more than anything. Unless he can magically find his way to being a 60 point plus player, the Kings may have to retain a good chunk to get rid of him as both he and Brown are going to strain the books to the max with the question marks surrounding Voynov.

 

[LAKings88]

I can't help but think there is so much we don't know about in this situation.

I have a bad taste in my mouth about it all. I don't like the "little communication" comments MR talks about.

I think he deserved more respect from DL especially now that LA needs him down the stretch.

 

[Herby]

I can't help but think there is so much we don't know about in this situation.

I have a bad taste in my mouth about it all. I don't like the "little communication" comments MR talks about.

I think he deserved more respect from DL especially now that LA needs him down the stretch.

DL not buying out Richards last June was a massive show of respect and loyalty.

I can guarantee you the vast majority of NHL GM's who were in the cap situation the Kings were going to be coming into and had Kopitar and Carter down the middle would have used the buyout without a second thought.

 

[apadilla]

Mike had a solid game today. Skated well, set up Lewis in the slot, won a lot of face offs, all in all, a good game. I'm really glad he is back on the team.

 

[KINGS17]

DL not buying out Richards last June was a massive show of respect and loyalty.

I can guarantee you the vast majority of NHL GM's who were in the cap situation the Kings were going to be coming into and had Kopitar and Carter down the middle would have used the buyout without a second thought.

I agree. Dean has shown nothing but respect for Richards and his accomplishments. Buying out his contract last summer would have been the low risk move.

Let's see if Richards has anything left in the tank now.

 

[johnjm22]

I expect Richards will play adequately from here on out.

I don't really think he's any more or less capable than he was in prior seasons, just lacking drive and motivation.

 

[kingsfan]

Mike had a solid game today. Skated well, set up Lewis in the slot, won a lot of face offs, all in all, a good game. I'm really glad he is back on the team.

He was 5 of 12 in the face off circle or 41.7 per cent. That's actually pretty bad.

 

[Reclamation Project]

He was 5 of 12 in the face off circle or 41.7 per cent. That's actually pretty bad.

I'm sure he was referring to the stat the broadcast showed. At the time he was 5 of 7 with about 8:30 of ice time. Kopitar, Carter, and Stoll are about 52% on the dot on the season.

 

[LAKings88]

I get that DL didn't buy him out.

I just don't like the present situation. I still think Richards is gone next season for better or worst. I just feel bad for the guy.

 

[KingPuckChoo]

I get that DL didn't buy him out.

I just don't like the present situation. I still think Richards is gone next season for better or worst. I just feel bad for the guy.

i don't, it's the team that matters not the individual

Richards is making millions per year, should ease the so called pain

i feel bad for the Kings dishing out 5 million + per year for a guy that won't be part of the team

that's like buying a cellphone and having it break before the contract

you feel bad for LG or the buyer? LG got paid, the buyer didn't get his money's worth

 

[kingsfan]

I get that DL didn't buy him out.

I just don't like the present situation. I still think Richards is gone next season for better or worst. I just feel bad for the guy.

IF, IF it's a conditioning issue, I don't. You get $5.75 mill (on average) and a big vote of confidence from your GM to be in shape, if you aren't that's your problem.

If it is something else, such as concussions, then I feel for the guy. But it's clear 2010 Mike Richards and 2015 Mike Richards aren't the same for some reason. If we could afford to take a risk, which we can't, I'd like to see Sutter toss Richards out with someone like Gaborik or Carter or Toffoli to see if he's improved since the start of the season. I don't think he's played with anyone decent in months.

 

[Reclamation Project]

The usual hard-hitting, fact-stating, truth-delivering KingPuckChoo post.

I'm waiting on an avatar retort.

 

[Herby]

IF, IF it's a conditioning issue, I don't. You get $5.75 mill (on average) and a big vote of confidence from your GM to be in shape, if you aren't that's your problem.

If it is something else, such as concussions, then I feel for the guy. But it's clear 2010 Mike Richards and 2015 Mike Richards aren't the same for some reason.

Agreed 100%

I wonder if we will ever find out the real truth about what happened that made MR go from elite to fringe player in such a short span.

 

[damacles1156]

Agreed 100%

I wonder if we will ever find out the real truth about what happened that made MR go from elite to fringe player in such a short span.

He got old (in hockey years).

The league is different now, players have to work extremely hard to be effective past the age of 29(on every part of their game, not just fitness).

Supposedly (rumored) Dustin Brown showed up to Camp in the best shape of his life (shredded), look how that's turned out for him. Brown is about to post a career worst season.

 

[Raccoon Jesus]

IF, IF it's a conditioning issue, I don't. You get $5.75 mill (on average) and a big vote of confidence from your GM to be in shape, if you aren't that's your problem.

If it is something else, such as concussions, then I feel for the guy. But it's clear 2010 Mike Richards and 2015 Mike Richards aren't the same for some reason. If we could afford to take a risk, which we can't, I'd like to see Sutter toss Richards out with someone like Gaborik or Carter or Toffoli to see if he's improved since the start of the season. I don't think he's played with anyone decent in months.

I hear Andreas Nodl may be available