Instant trade analysis: Flyers send captain Mike Richards to L.A.

The Flyers haven't just altered their lineup, they've detonated it in a matter of minutes this afternoon.

As first reported by TSN's Gord Miller, Philly followed up dealing Jeff Carter to Columbus by shipping out Philly captain Mike Richards to the Kings for young winger Wayne Simmonds and rising prospect Brayden Schenn.

The Carter trade made perfect sense for Philly -- you know, that blockbuster they made 11 seconds ago -- but trading Richards, who may not have the right demeanor to captain a top team but is still a world-class talent, for a gritty third-liner in Simmonds and an unknown in Schenn is riskier.

Richards is entering the fourth year of a 12-year, $69-million deal; he now slides in as another No. 1 center to go with Anze Kopitar (FIXED), and the Kings are instantly a serious Cup contender.

The Flyers are jumbled up front, but still loaded with talent. They also have a sizable amount of cap space to sign G Ilya Bryzgalov and perhaps even one more free agent -- could Philly jump into the Brad Richards derby with these moves? They may need to without a true No. 1 center right now.