Capitals' Mike Richards: Criminal charge from summer arrest stayed

The drug charge against Richards was stayed in court Wednesday, the Winnipeg Sun reports.

Richards was charged with one count of possession of a controlled substance while trying to cross into Canada last June, but with the charges now stayed by the judge, the 31-year-old center is closer to being in the clear. However, charges can still technically be brought back within one year (although it's rare for that to occur), so he's not completely out of the woods in terms of criminal liability . The two-time Stanley Cup winning center has just one goal in 15 games this season, but with the legal picture clearing up, he could draw some interest if he hits unrestricted free agency this summer.