Even though he has been back in Los Angeles for a few days now, the fervor surrounding Mike Richards’ present and future with the Los Angeles Kings has shown no signs of slowing down. For example, in the MayorsManor poll that ended yesterday afternoon, more than 80% of voters wanted him called back up – with nearly 27% preferring it happen immediately (view the full results here).
Meanwhile, his team-monitored testing and training has continued at their training facility, the Toyota Sports Center. In talking with Kings’ officials this morning, the plan is for Richards to remain in Los Angeles for most of this week and then return to Manchester next weekend (although, that could certainly change in the days ahead). Currently, the Monarchs are in St. John’s, Newfoundland before returning to the New England area for a game next Friday in Providence. Their next home game will be one week from today, versus the IceCaps.
From our understanding, among the areas being reviewed are Richards’ diet and nutrition. One thing for sure is the veteran center will not be joining the Kings for their pre-game skate this morning, and it appears unlikely he will skate with the team before leaving town. There are no plans to recall him this week, nor “anytime soon” (as it was said to us).
For the better part of a month or so, the general idea seems to have been to call him back up closer to the playoffs – something GM Dean Lombardi spoke about here.
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Mayor’s Minutes on NHL Radio: Richards Update, Plus Sekera/Defense Comments
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About John Hoven
If the Kings believe Richard’s issues are related to conditioning and diet, they may be in the ballpark but miss on the the specific means necessary to success.
Core training, along with diet change and some skating technique tweeks could make all the difference for MR and the Kings.
Dynamo Moscow has some people connected to the club who have had much success in these kinds of situations.
John, if the Kings are interested in exploring this avenue, please email privately and I will provide you with a contact name or two.