EL SEGUNDO, Calif. — The Los Angeles Kings have terminated Mike Richards’ contract, claiming the forward committed a “material breach” of its terms.
The Kings announced their newest tactic Monday in their attempt to get out from under Richards’ enormous deal.
The Kings refused to say why they’re terminating Richards’ deal, which carries an annual salary cap hit of $5.75 million through 2020.
Los Angeles placed Richards on waivers again over the weekend. The Kings were thought to be attempting a buyout of that deal that would lessen his cap hit by spreading it out through 2025.
The club demoted Richards to the minors last season after the two-time Stanley Cup champion’s play sharply declined.
Richards began his 12-year, $69 million deal with the Philadelphia Flyers in 2008. The Kings acquired him in 2011.
Thumbnail photo via USA Today Sports Images
