The Kings may have found a way to rid themselves of Richards.

Believe it or there are reports suggesting that discussion between the Los Angeles Kings, and the Calgary Flames have taken place relating to a possible trade for Mike Richards. Mike Richards, who carries with him a $5.75 million dollar annual cap hit, Mike Richards who was just sent down to the AHL after clearing waivers this week. At first glance it may seem like the Flames are completely insane, however there may be a method to their madness. First, the Flames have a ton of cap space, they are one of the few teams that could take on a contract that large and still be alright. Everyone knows by now that any team that would take Richards off of L.A.'s books would be doing the Kings a huge favor, meaning that the Kings would likely have to sweeten the deal in a big way. The very same reports have suggested that the Kings would be giving up either Tanner Pearson, Tyler Toffoli or a 1st round draft pick in order to entice Calgary into pulling the trigger on Richards. The other option would be the Kings retaining a large portion of Richards salary in the deal. For example the Kings could keep 50% of Richards salary on their books, making him a much cheaper option then he currently is for the Flames.] With all that said it's important to remember that Richards was set to the AHL so the Kings could save a reported $925,000 in cap space. Think about that for a second, the Kings are effectively telling you that they feel $925,000 in cap space is more valuable then Richards in his current form. Is that really a player the Flames will want to saddle themselves to for the next 5 years? Are the Kings really prepared to give up Pearson or Toffoli both who have demonstrated tremendous upside? Only time will tell.