Its been quite some time since the Kings made a move that saw them on the giving-side of young talent in a trade.  By acquiring center Mike Richards from the Philadelphia Flyers, the Kings made a statement that their franchise is exiting the “rebuilding” stage and entering (or at a minimum, hoping to enter) the contender stage.

Before talking about how valuable of a player Mike Richards is, how his 80 point per year capacity is sure to boost the King’s offense (one of the lowest scoring in the league last year), we should talk about what the team gave up to get him.  Braydon Schenn will in all likelihood be an all-star one day, and has an outside chance of being a great NHL player.  While he has little NHL ice experience, he is rightfully touted as one of the game’s great prospects.  Wayne Simmonds is a young, gritty player who pairs his physical game play with a hard-charging work ethic that keeps his team playing hard, he will be sorely missed.

Now, while the Kings has to given up a top young prospect and a talented young forward (plus a second round pick), the acquisition of Richards will prove to be a shrewd move by Kings GM Dean Lombardi.  Not only is Richards a former NHL captain and perennial all star talent, but he is young and inked to a long term deal that most commentators will agree is quite favorable to the club that holds his rights.  Lombardi recognized that Richards is a significant upgrade at center on the second line, and as a hard-nosed player who is known for his great two-way play, the GM could not miss on the chance to add him to the club.  The Kings now have a very talented core of young players locked up for multiple seasons, and if they are able to resign Drew Doughty to an extension this off-season will likely solidify themselves as a cup contender for many years to come.

Trading for a star always requires you to give up value in return and this case is no different.  While the kings gave up the crown jewel of their prospect group in Schenn, the addition of Richards was too good an opportunity for the Kings to pass on.