Mike Richards Under Investigation by Canadian Police: Latest Details, Reaction

NHL forward Mike Richards is reportedly being investigated by the Royal Canadian Mounted Police and Canadian Border Services Agency for an incident that led the Los Angeles Kings to terminate his contract.

According to TMZ, Richards was stopped crossing the border on June 17 and questioned about Oxycodone pills, though he has not been charged with a crime.

Katie Strang of ESPN reports Canadian officials declined to comment further on the nature of the investigation due to the country's privacy laws. As of now, no charges have been filed against the 30-year-old native of Canada.

Bob McKenzie of TSN notes the Kings are subject to a cap penalty of $1.32 million for the next five years as a result of their termination of Richards' contract. John Buccigross of ESPN posted an ominous message after apparently hearing some of the details:

Strang also reported the Kings were in the process of trying to trade Richards, with the Edmonton Oilers and Calgary Flames involved in discussions, before receiving word of the situation. They immediately halted talks at last week's draft and moved forward with the release.

Obviously, Richards' NHL future is on hold until the details of the situation are released. The fact that Los Angeles moved so quickly to terminate his contract doesn't paint a positive picture.

He's also coming off the worst season of his career with just 16 points in 53 games, which helps explain why the Kings were hoping to get some type of return for him this summer.