Ex-Los Angeles Kings center, Mike Richards made headlines throughout the NHL when his contract was terminated prematurely, by the team, with 5-years remaining on a 12-year deal.
Now, details are beginning to leak out and everything is making sense.
Katie Stang of ESPN is reporting that Richards, who was cut by the team last week, was allegedly found to have oxycodone at a Canadian boarder crossing on June 17th:
Mike Richards, whose contract has been terminated by the Los Angeles Kings, is part of an ongoing investigation by the Royal Canadian Mounted Police for an off-ice incident, a source told ESPN.com on Tuesday.
A spokesperson for the RCMP in Manitoba told ESPN that, as of Tuesday, no charges have been brought against Richards but declined to comment further.
The source said that Canadian Border Services is also involved in the investigation, but a spokesperson declined comment, citing Canadian privacy laws.
Sources are saying the Kings were made aware of the incident about an hour after the first round of the 2015 NHL Draft.
It sounds to me like the Kings jumped at the opportunity to get out from under a contract that could have been disastrous to their future. By terminating Richards’ deal, the team will save the $22 million left on the books, however will be responsible for $1.32 million salary cap recapture penalty.
Not a bad flip for a player who put up only 16 points last season.