Mike Richards to make Capitals debut vs. Sabres

Mike Richards is ready to go.

The veteran forward will make his Washington Capitals debut Saturday night against the Buffalo Sabres, his first NHL game in more than nine months.

"(I) always had confidence, always knew I could play, (but) probably the toughest part was just watching," Richards said.

The 30-year-old also admitted taking his NHL career for granted before having his contract terminated by the Los Angeles Kings following his arrest at the border over the summer.

Capitals head coach Barry Trotz initially planned to ease Richards back and debut him Tuesday against the Columbus Blue Jackets, but the timeline was advanced.

"I saw him this week, the other day, and I said, 'Let's move that up even more. Are you ready for that?'" Trotz told Isabelle Khurshudyan of The Washington Post.

Richards will center the fourth line Saturday, between Zach Sill and Michael Latta.

The Capitals signed Richards to a one-year deal on Jan. 6.

His last NHL game came April 9, 2015, as a member of the Kings, against the Calgary Flames.