Mike Richards
Mike Richards, former captain of the Philadelphia Flyers, seemed somewhat ambivalent and resentful as he spoke about being traded to the Los Angeles Kings during the introductory press conference held in the Kings locker room at theToyota Center.
"I'm not exactly sure why I was traded," Richards said. "There's a lot of stuff written in Philly, but it was a big shock to me."
Over the years playing for the Flyers, he came to feel as if Philadelphia was his home and had just signed a long-term contract. But the first day he arrived in Los Angeles, he took a walk on the beach and felt a change in perspective.
"You start thinking, 'This is not a bad place to be, and not a bad place to restart a career," Richards said. "I always used to love coming to L.A. to play.
There's just a buzz in the arena, almost like it is in New York. I can't wait to feel it from the other side."
One month after the trade, the star center is definitely feeling more accepting of Los Angeles and looking forward to creating the "one-two punch" with Anze Kopitar that the Kings so desperately needed.
Richards already has worked out with several Kings, who appear to be a force to be reckoned with after general manager Dean Lombardi's offseason moves for Richards and Simon Gagne.
Lombardi is very high on Richards, trading promising youngsters Wayne Simmonds and Brayden Schenn for a 26-year-old forward signed for the next nine years.
When Lombardi heard Richards talking about his disappointment at leaving Philadelphia, the Kings GM was actually pleased.
"If I get a guy who wants to be traded, that's usually not good," Lombardi said. "I want a guy who has worn that jersey with his heart on his sleeve. My experience is that when a guy is hurt that he's been traded, it's a tough first call, but that guy will eventually have that same feeling for your organization."
It will be interesting to see if Richards is teamed up with his former Flyers linemate, Gagne, who he played with for three seasons in Philadelphia partly under Kings coach Terry Murray and assistant coach John Stevens.
With his workhorse attitude and well-rounded game, Richards seems to be a perfect fit for the Kings and their steady, unflashy approach to hockey. Lombardi believes Richards will add his knowledge of the game and maturity to a roster that has finally established itself as a contender.
Kings center Jarret Stoll, who was also in attendance at the press conference, agrees. "I've talked to guys on other teams, and they're excited about our team."
Lombardi went on to express his hopes that maybe Richards will become the Kings "Bobby Clarke."
More will be revealed as the 2011-12 season gets underway, which the Kings fans are eagerly waiting.
In addition the Kings Ice Crew and Kings Cheer/Promotions Team will be at this year's Fiesta La Ballona lending some extra fun and entertainment on Saturday (1pm-4pm) and giving away Kings freebies.
Included will be The Ice Rider truck on the field-- the only one with LA Kings theme paint job, X-Box 360, DirecTV, Blue Ray DVD, air ride suspension and three flat screen TV's.
For more information on the Fiesta La Ballona go to: http://fiestalaballona.org/ and for the Kings Ice crew visit:
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