Sharks interested in Mike Richards

When asked if he thinks Richards could make an NHL comeback, Peter DeBoer replied “I think he can,” adding he’s spoken with Richards over the last few months.

I’ve always been a fan, but also he’s a guy that I’ve tried to stay in contact with him over the years. I’ve always followed his career. Glad to see that he’s back and training and might come back, but beyond that, no other relationship.

Richards, 30, hasn’t played in the NHL since April. His 12-year, $69 million deal with the Kings was terminated this offseason due to a “material breach” stemming from an incident at the Canadian border. Currently, he’s awaiting trial in January for allegedly entering the country with Oxycodone. As CSN Bay Area notes, no team would likely make a move until Richards’ legal situation was cleared up.

That the Sharks have interest probably goes beyond Richards’ personal history with DeBoer. The club’s had bottom-six forward depth issues all year long, and have tried numerous solutions. Dainius Zubrus was signed after arriving on a PTO in November, and GM Doug Wilson has relied heavily on recalls from the AHL’s Barracuda, rotating in the likes of Ryan Carpenter, John McCarthy, Bryan Lerg, Michael Haley, Nikolay Goldobin and Barclay Goodrow.

Should he eventually be signed, Richards would also give the club some experience and depth down the middle. Thomas Hertl, now in his third NHL campaign, has struggled this season — he has just four goals in 34 games — and is currently manning the fourth line between Melker Karlsson and Mike Brown.

Once Richards' legal situation is cleared up do you think he'll make a return to the NHL with the San Jose Sharks