LA Kings: Top five Stanley Cup-contention trades
By Ryan Cowley
LA Kings Trade Wayne Simmonds and Brayden Schenn for Mike Richards
In the offseason of 2011, LA Kings GM Dean Lombardi traded fan favorite Wayne Simmonds and promising prospect Brayden Schenn to the Philadelphia Flyers.
In exchange, the Kings received Mike Richards, who was known more for his leadership qualities than his offensive prowess — although his 23 goals and 66 points in 2010-11 was nothing to scoff at.
While Richards’ production declined in his first season in Los Angeles — a still respectable 18 goals and 44 points — the native of Kenora, Ont., upped his game in the playoffs with 15 points in 20 games. Richards’ efforts were just one factor towards the Kings winning their first Stanley Cup in 2012. Richards would even be integral in the Kings’ second championship win in 2014.
As for Simmonds and Schenn, they enjoyed their successes after Los Angeles. The latter even won a Stanley Cup in 2019 with the St. Louis Blues.
As for Richards, controversy would follow him soon after the Kings’ second Cup win, leading to his departure in 2015.
Nevertheless, this trade was one of the most important Lombardi and the Kings had made to solidify themselves as Cup-contenders and, ultimately, Cup-winners.