The Kings put Richards on waivers Monday when they returned from the All-Star break, finally acknowledging the veteran centers declining play.

Advertisement Richards has been a key part of the Kings two Stanley Cup championship teams in the past three seasons, playing a responsible two-way role and providing leadership.

The Kings stuck by Richards, hoping he would reclaim his formidable offensive game.

Advertisement Advertisement I felt he deserved that chance for all that he had done for us, Lombardi said during practice at their training complex.

I dont think theres any question we dont win that first Cup without what he did for this team, and obviously you dont win the second one.

But youve still got to be at a certain level here that has to get done.

He has a minus-7 rating and has won only 48 percent of his faceoffs while playing on a depth line with the Kings not the contributions expected of a player with a 12-year, 69 million contract that has a 5.75 million annual salary cap hit for the next six seasons.

If Richards clears waivers and the Kings dont work out a trade, he could be headed to their AHL affiliate in Manchester if he accepts the assignment.

The Kings clearly are in need of a spark after losing four straight and seven of eight heading into the break, falling out of the playoff picture.

We understand its a business, but in here, youre a family, Kings captain Dustin Brown said.

As a group of guys who have won together, its even harder.

Lombardi, who values continuity and player loyalty in a league that has largely lost touch with the concepts, finally made the move long anticipated by Kings fans after trying to trade Richards in recent weeks.

If youre going to expect loyalty from certain players, at times you have to show loyalty to them.

The issue becomes, wheres that line Im never going to lose my belief in those values being critical, but as we see in the cap era, the cap is actually designed.

Unfortunately, I still believe theyre a critical part of a good team.

Richards scored 89 goals over three seasons with the Flyers from 2007-10, and the club made him its captain and signed him to that mammoth extension in December 2007.

His scoring production has dropped every year since 2010, down to just 11 goals last season.

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