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.
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