Capitals, Mike Richards Agree to One Year Deal

The Washington Capitals have signed free agent forward, Mike Richards for the remainder of the season.

Richards signed a one-year, $1 million contract on Wednesday. This was a low-risk move for the Capitals because if it doesn't work out then Richards can become an unrestricted free agent at the end of the season.

Richards had his contract terminated in June by the Los Angeles Kings. The Kings claimed that he had breached the terms of his contract and that's why it was terminated. The 30-year-old forward was facing legal action due to trying to enter Canada while in the possession of a controlled substance. He is still awaiting his preliminary court hearing. While with the Kings, Richards won two Stanley Cups, one in 2012 and the other in 2014. He also made another Finals appearance while with the Philadelphia Flyers in 2010.

The center hasn't played in a game since April 9, 2015 so he could go to the AHL for some game action and conditioning. In the 2014-15 season, he played in 53 games and registered 16 points while seeing 13:21 of ice time per game. He is a two-way forward that isn't afraid to drop the gloves or stick up for a teammate. He will play a physical game, but he can also be a little inconsistent in the offensive zone.

Richards can play both on the power play and while a man down. He will be reunited with his former teammate, Justin Williams, who is in his first season with the Capitals. Richards and Williams were teammates in Los Angeles, where they won two Stanley Cups.

In 710 NHL games, Richards has 179 goals, 303 assists, 482 points and has added 50 power play goals to go along with 28 shorthanded tallies.

Maple Leafs Acquire Jeremy Morin From Blackhawks

The Toronto Maple Leafs have acquired forward Jeremy Morin from the Chicago Blackhawks in exchange for forward Richard Panik.

Morin has spent this season playing for the Blackhawks' AHL Affiliate, the Rockford IceHogs. He was tied for the lead in points with 22. Morin was tied for second on the team with nine goals, and second in assists with 13 of them. The forward has played in 28 games, has tallied nine goals, 13 assists, 22 points and is a plus seven. Morin isn't afraid to shoot the puck since he already has 74 shots so far this season.

Morin's best month was December when he averaged exactly a point per game played (11 points in 11 games). He has plenty of experience in the AHL, where he averages 0.76 points per game. Morin has some NHL experience too, but only 82 games worth. In those 82 games, he has 10 goals, 12 assists, 22 points, is a plus eight and has 141 shots.

The forward can put the puck in the net especially at the AHL level, where he has 90 career goals. He has a decent shot and isn't afraid to take it whenever he can. Morin can play either wing, but needs to work on his defense. This is the second time that Morin has been traded from the Blackhawks in his career.

The Blackhawks acquired forward Richard Panik in the deal. Panik has spent this season with the Maple Leafs' AHL Affiliate, the Toronto Marlies. Panik spent last season with the Maple Leafs and in in 76 games, he had 11 goals, six assists and tallied 17 points. Panik had zero points in four preseason games and was sent to the Marlies prior to the NHL season starting. Another factor in Panik getting sent down could have been the offseason moves, including a coaching change by the Leafs.

Panik was fifth on the Marlies with 25 points. He was sixth in goals with nine and fourth in assists with 16. In 33 games, he has nine goals, 16 assists, 25 points and 66 shots to go with two game-winning goals. He has had a balanced start to the season, but Panik could stand to shoot the puck a little more.

He can score and setup his teammates. Panik could stand to improve his play in his own end and without the puck. He seems to spend a lot of time in the penalty box for a skilled player. He has spent 185 minutes in 161 career AHL games. He has played in 161 AHL games, where he has 53 goals, 65 assists, 118 points and is a plus 36.

The trade could give each player a chance to start over and eventually make it back to the NHL.