When the Los Angeles Kings traded for former Philadelphia Flyers’ captain Mike Richards, the hockey world stood in complete shock at what they had just witnessed. Only one year removed from a trip to the Stanley Cup finals, the Flyers had moved their captain and one of the core players from a sports betting roster that seemed set to be perennial championship contenders. Philadelphia’s loss is the Kings’ gain, and with Richards adding another element to a young and talented roster, there are no limits on what Los Angeles is capable of accomplishing this year.

Richards automatically gives the Kings a top center that is capable of providing a boost at both ends of the ice and in all situations. Perhaps most importantly, Richards also takes some of the pressure off of Anze Kopitar, who continues to develop into one of the most dangerous scoring threats in the NHL. While Kopitar leads the offense with Justin Williams and free agent addition Simon Gagne on his wings, Richards leads a second line that has the potential to breakthrough. Los Angeles also managed to lock up young defenseman Drew Doughty with a long-term deal, and with Jonathan Quick and Jonathan Bernier pushing eachother for playing time in goal, the Kings are deep in all areas of their game. One year after failing to live up to the lofty expectations that were placed on them, Los Angeles appears ready to contend in the Western conference. Richards adds another element to the Kings, and that could make them legitimate pay head threats to win it all.

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