[News] Kings terminate Richards contract. UPD: Kings and Richards reach settlement

[Phanuthier]

Originally Posted by activeStick

Wasn't he caught with possession of cocaine? I'd assume that if found guilty, the team could easily terminate any contract of a player found guilty of this as there are likely items in the contract which speak specifically to this sort of stuff, no?

It wouldn't surprise me if it were something related to substance abuse, with documented warnings. Dean Lombardi can't be that stupid to risk a lawsuite, nor do I think he was stupid enough not to use the compliance buyout last year if he didn't have a contingency plan.

My guess is they have a legit case

[cznTiburon]

One burning question would be so they need the investigation to pan out before they can sign other players? Are they going to sign guys with the extra cap space, lose the termination process and then be even further buried in Cap hell? Free agency is coming up real quick and I don't feel this will be sorted out before then

[btimbit]

Wow. If it is a s simple "You're not in shape!!!" then this is BS

[Funkhouser]

Originally Posted by activeStick

Wasn't he caught with possession of cocaine? I'd assume that if found guilty, the team could easily terminate any contract of a player found guilty of this as there are likely items in the contract which speak specifically to this sort of stuff, no?

That was Stoll, although he was reported to be partying with teammates (no information as to who, but I wouldn't be shocked if the two incidents are related)

[ComixZone]

Originally Posted by Slava

So they terminate the contract (which will obviously result in a prolonged fight) and in the meantime they get to use the cap space as they see fit? That seems completely ridiculous.

Between cases like this, Kovalchuk and the ongoing Prongers and Savards of the world the cap isn't penalizing these longer term contracts at all.

I don't think Savard and Pronger should be mentioned as being anywhere near the Kovalchuk or Richards disasters. Both players are physically unable to play. Concussions are sensitive issue around the league (rightfully so). I think you're off-base in bringing them up.

[Tron_fdc]

So they're terminating it over his fitness? That's weak. Who sets the standard there?

[sureLoss]

This smells like another push the boundaries move, like when they Voynov "accidentally" joined practice while he was suspended.

[Slava]

Originally Posted by ComixZone

I don't think Savard and Pronger should be mentioned as being anywhere near the Kovalchuk or Richards disasters. Both players are physically unable to play. Concussions are sensitive issue around the league (rightfully so). I think you're off-base in bringing them up.

Yeah and I suppose you're right. I just find it silly as a fan to see Pronger get traded this past weekend when everyone in the free world realises he won't be playing.

I also forgot to mention Voynov which I definitely should've included there.

[Yoho]

Leafs will love this option if it works...

[united]

Greg Whyshynski @wyshynski
1. Richards thing -- very strong indications an off-ice indecent (I presume he means incident) is going to come to light, but obviously no one's breathing a word of it.
2. Richards thing -- it sucks that so many people are going to drop "told ya so's" about Mike, but that's on him.

Further, on the radio they said word at the draft was something may have happened that may lead to this.

[Ashasx]

Greg Wyshynski ‏@wyshynski 54s55 seconds ago
1. Richards thing -- very strong indications an off-ice indecent is going to come to light, but obviously no one's breathing a word of it.

just lol

[Erick Estrada]

I hope the NHL digs down here as this sounds like a big market team trying to circumvent the rules by making up some technicality. The Coyotes couldn't get around buying out Ribero for being a negative influence so I don't see how the Kings can.

[getbak]

The SPC has a clause that allows the team to establish rules of conduct and conditioning that the player must follow. I wonder if Lombardi agreed to not use the Compliance Buyout last year in exchange for Richards agreeing to certain conditions, which he subsequently didn't meet?

4. The Club may from time to time during the continuance of this SPC establish reasonable rules governing the conduct and conditioning of the Player, and such reasonable rules shall form part of this SPC and the Agreement as fully as if herein written. For violation of any such rules or for any conduct impairing the thorough and faithful discharge of the duties incumbent upon the Player, the Club may impose a reasonable fine upon the Player and deduct the amount thereof from any money due or to become due to the Player. The Club may also suspend the Player for violation of any such rules. When the Player is fined or suspended, he shall be given notice in writing stating the amount of the fine and/or the duration of the suspension and the reason therefor. Copies of the rules referred to herein shall be filed at the main offices of the League and the National Hockey League Players' Association ("NHLPA").

[sureLoss]

Wow... NHL siding with the Kings.

Bob McKenzie @TSNBobMcKenzie
As far as NHL and LAK concerned, Kings are free of obligation to Richards and he's off LA cap, player eligible to sign anywhere.

[Tron_fdc]

Richards has been rumoured to be a party guy, but that's all hearsay. Have fun arguing that in court.

This sets a HORRIBLE precedent if it happens. No way should GM's be given this as an option for signing guys to bad contracts.

[The Yen Man]

There has to be more than him simply being out of shape. Players report to camp out of shape all the time, and I've never heard of a team threatening to terminate contracts on those grounds. If that were the case, Penner's contract could have been terminated a few times over I would imagine.

[activeStick]

Originally Posted by Funkhouser

That was Stoll, although he was reported to be partying with teammates (no information as to who, but I wouldn't be shocked if the two incidents are related)

Thanks for the correction. Which is funny because I don't think LA did anything with Stoll's contract unless they're waiting for proof of guilt or maybe Stoll's a UFA now anyway?

[Ashasx]

Originally Posted by sureLoss

Wow... NHL siding with the Kings.

Bob McKenzie @TSNBobMcKenzie
As far as NHL and LAK concerned, Kings are free of obligation to Richards and he's off LA cap, player eligible to sign anywhere.

Of course they are. Quite the market in LA right now.

Wouldn't want that team penalized for the next dozen years.

[CorsiHockeyLeague]

This is really where we find out how much favouritism the league is willing to show a team in that market.

Additionally, does the precedent go the other way? Does John Tavares say, "Screw you Islanders, you've failed to live up to one of the vaguer provisions in my SPC according to my standards. I'm a UFA now. Hey NHL, who wants to pay me $10 million?"

[Senator Clay Davis]

I guess he must have left dry island.