A person familiar with the move tells The Associated Press that the Los Angeles Kings have released center Mike Richards.
The person spoke Monday on condition of anonymity because the Kings had not announced the decision.
Richards was a standout for the Flyers when he was acquired by the Kings, but his scoring has dropped every year since -- from 18 goals in 2011-12 to just five halfway through this season with the defending Stanley Cup champions one point out of a playoff spot in the Western Conference.
The Kings valued Richards' responsible two-way play and leadership, but he also represented a $5.75 million annual cap hit over the next six seasons.
The Flyers traded Richards to the Kings in 2011 for Brayden Schenn and Wayne Simmonds, the same day as they traded Jeff Carter to the Columbus Blue Jackets.
Carter, who was eventually sent to the Kings, remains in L.A.