How and Why The Capitals Landed With Mike Richards

VIDEO: Richards’ Career in the NHL. Watch Video Below..

When the Washington Capitals played at the Toronto Maple Leafs in late November, Coach Barry Trotz and General Manager Brian MacLellan took the opportunity to meet with the player they’d been thinking about since summertime. Mike Richards flew in, and for more than hour, the trio had what amounted to an informal interview.

Richards previously played for and was captain of the Philadelphia Flyers of the National Hockey League (NHL), and most recently the Los Angeles Kings. He was drafted in the first round of the 2003 NHL Entry Draft by the Flyers, 24th overall.

On Wednesday, the Capitals agreed to terms with Richards on a one-year, pro-rated $1 million deal that will carry a measly cap hit of $500,000. From a financial standpoint, it’s a low-risk signing for a player that has won two Stanley Cups and scored more than 40 points two seasons ago.

Richards made his international debut with Canada at the 2004 World Junior Championships in Finland. Despite a third period lead in the gold medal game, Canada lost to the United States 4–3.

The following year, Richards returned to the World Juniors as team captain and led Canada to its first gold medal at the tournament since 1997. Richards tallied five points in six games.

By Isabelle Khurshudyan January 8 at 10:15 AM

https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/capitals-insider/wp/2016/01/08/how-the-capitals-landed-mike-richards-and-why/