Fansided

Washington Capitals sign free agent center Mike Richards

By Dave Stevenson

Sep 22, 2014; Glendale, AZ, USA; Los Angeles Kings center Mike Richards (10) looks to pass during the third period against the against the Arizona Coyotes at Gila River Arena. Mandatory Credit: Matt Kartozian-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 22, 2014; Glendale, AZ, USA; Los Angeles Kings center Mike Richards (10) looks to pass during the third period against the against the Arizona Coyotes at Gila River Arena. Mandatory Credit: Matt Kartozian-USA TODAY Sports /
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The Washington Capitals have signed free agent center Mike Richards.

The Washington Capitals are a team hoping to win its first Stanley Cup. They already brought in three-time Stanley Cup champion Justin Williams from the Kings this offseason to provide them with some much needed playoff experience. The Capitals came into the season with some concerns regarding their center depth.

The concerns were elevated by Jay Beagle’s injury. The Caps are trying to solve this problem by signing two-time Stanley Cup champion Mike Richards.

Mike Richards will need the NHL’s approval because he has pending legal charges against him for the possession of a controlled substance. These charges led to Richards having his contract terminated by the Los Angeles Kings.

Richards should provide the Caps with center depth while Beagle gets healthy. It is assumed that Richards will not cost more than the league minimum. The Caps can also see if Richards has anything left in the tank. Richards was a productive hockey player with a 40 point season as recently as 2013-2014. Had it not been for the legal issues, he would likely still be in the Kings lineup.

Richards certainly has baggage. The Capitals are banking on him being worth that baggage and if he isn’t, they can simply let him go.

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