Mike Richards, Los Angeles Kings
Apr 10, 2014; Edmonton, Alberta, CAN; Edmonton Oilers defensemen Jeff Petry (2) and Los Angeles Kings forward Mike Richards (10) battle for position in front of Edmonton Oilers goaltender Victor Fasth (35) during the second period at Rexall Place. Mandatory Credit: Perry Nelson-USA TODAY Sports
This is a difficult (and surprising) one to put on this list, but it is something the Kings have to consider. Richards’ salary starts declining after next season, but the cap hit stays at $5.75M for the next 6 seasons.
The Kings have only 8 players signed beyond next season, and with Anze Kopitar, Jeff Carter, Jonathan Quick and Drew Doughty among those on big money and/or long term deals, Richards might be the one that has to give.
Richards is a heart and soul player that could be trade-able even with that contract, because someone will see the value of his quality of play. But for the Kings it might be a matter of simply not enough production from a player who plays a big-man game with a medium man body and the wear and tear might be taking its toll.
I would have him on my team in a heartbeat, but that money is a little much for declining offensive numbers.
The Kings will be comfortable next season under the cap, but following that, they could begin to feel a pinch. They could play it out next year and then just take the cap consequences afterward, when there is less money owed and therefore less money for nothing after his $7M salary next season.
BUYOUT DETAILS: $1,611,111 per year for 12 years.