Head coach Barry Trotz said Richards will not play Thursday against the Canucks, Isabelle Khurshudyan of The Washington Post reports.

EDGE Analysis

Trotz said he would like to get Richards into the lineup before the All-Star game, which would put Richards' debut with the Capitals on or before the Jan.27 match against the Flyers if the timetable holds. It is also possible Richards will be sent down to AHL Hershey for a conditioning stint, as the 30-year-old forward has not played any meaningful hockey since April. In any case, Richards could be in the lineup in the not-too-distant future, so if you're considering rolling the dice on him deeper leagues, stay tuned.