NHLPA files grievance against Kings on behalf of Mike Richards

The NHLPA has filed a grievance against the Los Angeles Kings contesting the termination of Mike Richards' contract.

The NHLPA has filed a grievance on behalf of Mike Richards, contesting his contract termination by the Los Angeles Kings, reports The Canadian Press' Stephen Whyno. 

Richards' contract was terminated by the Kings in June, citing “material breach” as the reason. Richards had five years and $22 million left on his deal when it was terminated. The team was expected to buy out Richards before announcing the outright termination. 

A day after Richards was let go from the Kings, reports emerged he was detained by Canadian police in mid-June for possessing OxyContin pills while crossing the border between the U.S. and Canada. 

Richards was never charged with a crime, which is likely the reason the grievance was filed. The date the grievance will be heard has not been made public.

Last season, Richards scored five goals and recorded 11 assists in 53 games with the Kings. 

- Rohan Nadkarni