Richards returns to East Coast

Mike Richards is going back to Philadelphia to play on Saturday. If you haven’t heard about it already, you’re likely to hear about it soon. A lot. The questions even started today, before the Kings played the New Jersey Devils, and no doubt there will be a massive media presence tomorrow in Philadelphia to greet the Flyers’ former captain, who got traded to the Kings this summer. Here’s a story, from NHL.com’s Dan Rosen, about Richards’ transition to the Kings…

Unburdened Richards enjoying fresh start with Kings

Before Philadelphia, there is another Richards connection here. Devils coach Peter DeBoer was Richards’ junior coach with the Kitchener Rangers, who won the Memorial Cup — the championship of all of junior hockey — in 2003 with a team that also included current Devils forward David Clarkson. Richards was asked today about his relationship with DeBoer and coming back to the East Coast…

RICHARDS: “He sent me a text (after the trade to the Kings), just wishing me good luck, and vice versa when he came here. We’re friends, more so off the ice now than on the ice, but it’s nice to have that familiar face across from you.’’

Question: How do you feel about the transition to the Kings so far?

RICHARDS: “I feel good. I’m excited to get back to this area and play. It’s been a little bit of a hectic start. We had a good first game. The second game wasn’t the greatest, but we’re making some progress as a team, and that’s what we’ve got to do throughout the year.’’

Question: Have you started thinking about going back to Philadelphia yet?

RICHARDS: “Not right now. I came into this building and played a lot, and had some good games. I know you can’t overlook the Devils, or they will make you pay, so I’ll just take it one game at a time.’’