NHLPA files grievance vs. Kings for termination of Mike Richards' contract

The NHL Players Association has filed a grievance against the Los Angeles Kings for the termination of Mike Richards' contract.

The Kings cut ties with Richards in June after they became aware that he was part of an investigation headed by the Royal Canadian Mounted Police.

Richards has not been charged, however.

The NHLPA does not have a date set for the grievance hearing, although a spokesman told ESPN the union hopes to have it expedited, given Richards' status as an unsigned free agent.

Richards, a two-time Stanley Cup champion, had the remaining five years of his 12-year contract terminated by the Kings, who did not say why he was in violation of the deal other than to say in a statement that it was for "a material breach of the requirements of his Standard Player's Contract."