The Bruins have placed Simon Gagne on waivers for the purpose of releasing him, a person familiar with the decision has told The Associated Press.

The decision is regarded a formality. Two weeks ago, the Bruins announced Gagne was placed on their "suspended" list and would miss the remainder of the season following the death of his father in December.

Kings center Mike Richards cleared waivers Tuesday and will join the Manchester Monarchs of the AHL, according to an ESPN.com report.

"There's still time here. He knows what he has to do," Kings general manager Dean Lombardi said Monday of the possibility of Richards being assigned to the AHL. 

The Kings placed center Mike Richards on waivers Monday, according to an ESPN.com report.

The Kings, according to sources, tried to find a taker via the trade route over the past month, talking to Toronto, Calgary and Winnipeg among other teams, but couldn't get a deal done.