The Los Angeles Kings are set to add some veteran experience for a late push for a playoff spot.

The defending Stanley Cup champions will kick off a five-game road trip Monday in New Jersey, and general manager Dean Lombardi has recalled forward Mike Richards for the stretch run.

Lombardi explained the decision to Lisa Dillman of the Los Angeles Times:

I think it was always the thought we were going to bring him back at some point. Why not? You at least want to make all the tools available to the team right now. We're obviously up against it. It's up to (Kings Coach) Darryl (Sutter) how to use them. He's available. ... I'm not sure how much Darryl will use him (right away), but it's making sure that he has all the tools available.

Richards was placed on waivers and assigned to the team's AHL affiliate earlier this season, where he recorded three goals and 11 assists in 16 games.

The 30-year-old center scored only five goals in the first 47 games after contributing 10 points during the club's run to the Cup last June.

Sitting four points out of a wild card spot with 11 games remaining on the schedule, the Kings can use all the help they can get at this point.