5 Los Angeles Kings Storylines That Won't Go Away During 2014-15 Season

The Los Angeles Kings have done what a couple of years ago was completely unthinkable. They put Mike Richards on waivers. 

The 29-year-old center simply isn't playing at a high enough level to justify his hefty contract. Meanwhile, the Kings as a whole aren't performing up to expectations either. They aren't even in a playoff spot as play resumes after the All-Star break. 

Read on to find out more about these storylines and others that will surround the Kings for the rest of the season. 

Mike Richards

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He has won a lot. Two Stanley Cups, Olympic gold, a Calder Cup, Memorial Cup and World Junior gold. Mike Richards is a great leader and well-respected by those involved at different levels of the game.

But, right now he's heading to the AHL after clearing waivers. And, unless a couple of key injuries occur, he probably won't be back up with the Kings anytime soon. 

Here are head coach Darryl Sutter's thoughts on the situation, according to LA Kings Insider (h/t NBC's ProHockeyTalk): "It’s just that there are people in the media who continue to want to beat people up because they can’t do it themselves. It’s frustrating. I think Mike’s still got lots of hockey left."

Richards should be entering the prime of his career. He certainly could have plenty of good hockey left. The big question is how he will factor in come April. 

Drew Doughty's Norris Chase

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Drew Doughty is having a stellar season. The All-Star is racking up huge minutes, points and hits. If he continues at this pace or anywhere close to it he will easily remain in the Norris Trophy conversation. 

Doughty has proved his value at the Olympics and in the playoffs year after year. But, he's been nominated just once for the Norris, back in his second season in 2009-10. He had 16 goals and 43 assists for 59 points, by far his career high.

He's finally averaging those numbers again and should reach the 50-point mark for the first time since 2009-10. 

Doughty is one of the few players who's been consistent for L.A. since the season began. He deserves a Norris nod.

Jonathan Quick's Workload

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Could less be more for Jonathan Quick and the Kings?

There has been talk among fans and the media about Quick's heavy workload so far this season. He's started 38 games, while Martin Jones has started nine. 

Quick is 16-12-10 with a 2.47 goals-against average, .912 save percentage and three shutouts. 

Jones is 4-3-2 with a 2.20 GAA, .908 save percentage and three shutouts. 

Quick has shown in the past he's capable of playing easily over 60 games a season. However, he's been injured a few times recently, which is cause for concern, especially if a long playoff run is ahead. 

The more he plays, the bigger this story will be, especially if Jones plays well in the few opportunities he does get.

Slava Voynov

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This is an off-ice story which could continue to play out for a number of months. 

Slava Voynov pleaded not guilty to a corporal injury felony count at the end of December. He has a pretrial hearing on January 28. His trial is set for March 2, which happens to be the NHL trade deadline. 

This story won't go away because of both its legal implications and on-ice implications. Voynov remains suspended indefinitely by the NHL, and the Kings have been given cap relief for his salary.

But, what will happen after March 2?

Stanley Cup Hangover?

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Is there something more at play than just a Stanley Cup hangover?

Is it the loss of Slava Voynov? The poor play of veteran forwards like Dustin Brown and Mike Richards? Injuries? 

The Kings just haven't clicked so far in 2014-15. Sure, they've played a ton of hockey over the past three seasons, but so too have the Chicago Blackhawks. 

If the Kings start winning and quickly slip into a playoff spot, this is one story that could end up disappearing fast. But, on the other hand, if the inconsistent play continues it could become one of the biggest stories in the NHL come late March.