Former Columbus & Monsters Forward Justin Richards Continuing His Career Overseas

Justin Richards, the son of former Columbus head coach Todd Richards, has signed a one-year contract with Düsseldorfer EG of the Deutsche Eishockey Liga (DEL). 

In a Düsseldorfer EG press release, Sports director Niki Mondt says, "I am delighted that Justin Richards has decided to move to Europe and that he will be wearing the DEG jersey next season. Justin is a trained center forward, very good at the face-off point, and can be on the ice in all situations. He also plays with a lot of responsibility and always works in both directions for the team's success."

Richards came up through the Ohio AAA Blue Jackets system where he would play for four years in 14U, 16U, and 18U. He totaled 101 points in four years. His dad Todd, coached the Blue Jackets while he played for the AAA Blue Jackets.

Before going on to play at the University of Minnesota-Duluth, he played in the USHL for the Lincoln Stars for a year. At Lincoln, he had 30 points in 59 games. In his three years at Minnesota-Duluth, he had 66 points.

Going undrafted, he turned pro during the 2020-21 season and played in the New York Rangers organization. Playing for the Hartford Wolfpack for two seasons, he played 87 games and had 25 points. 

He would make his NHL debut on May 8th, 2021 against the Boston Bruins. He played 10:11 and had one assist. 

On December 19th, 2022, Richards signed a one-year, two-way deal with Columbus. He played in 61 games for the Cleveland Monsters during the 22-23 season. Richards scored 10 goals and had 39 points. 

On April 1st, 2023, he would make his Columbus debut against the Florida Panthers playing 13:54. The next night, Richards would play again against the Ottawa Senators, playing 7:41 and collecting an assist. 

Richards spent last season with the Rochester Americans, playing in 59 games and totaling 16 points. 

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