Canadian · Kenora, Ontario · Born 11 February 1985Canadian ice hockey center who won two Stanley Cups with Los Angeles Kings and Olympic gold with Team Canada, known for defensive excellence
Mike Richards was born in Kenora, Ontario in 1985. Philadelphia Flyers selected him 24th overall in the 2003 NHL Draft. His career produced 246 goals and 348 assists for 594 career points. He won two Stanley Cup championships with the Los Angeles Kings (2012, 2014). He won Olympic gold with Canada in 2010. He was a finalist for the Selke Trophy as the NHL's best defensive forward. He was traded from Philadelphia to Los Angeles in 2011 in one of the large trades of that era — a deal that helped build the Kings into back-to-back champions. He was suspended and then ultimately released by Washington in 2015 following substance-related issues. His two championships and his two-way play — particularly his defensive commitment and leadership — were central to the Kings' dynasty.
Won two Stanley Cup championships with the Los Angeles Kings in 2012 and 2014.
How They Played
Richards was a defensively responsible two-way center who excelled in the faceoff circle and penalty killing situations. He combined strong hockey intelligence with physical play, making him effective in shutdown roles against opposing top lines. His leadership qualities and clutch playoff performances made him a valuable contributor in high-pressure situations.
Lasting Impact
Richards helped establish a championship culture with the Los Angeles Kings during their Stanley Cup runs in the early 2010s.
Career Honours
- Stanley Cup 2x (2012,2014)
- Selke Trophy finalist
- Olympic Gold Medal (2010)
| Team | Period | GP | Goals |
|---|---|---|---|
| Philadelphia Flyers | 2005–2011 | 392 | 71 |
| Los Angeles Kings | 2011–2016 | 293 | 25 |
| Washington Capitals | 2016–2018 | 36 | 1 |
 Canada | — | 16 | 4 |
Canadian Athletes