Mike Richards' return to NHL ice could come this weekend.

Head coach Barry Trotz said Friday that Richards could get into a game, or perhaps two, when the league-best Washington Capitals take on the Buffalo Sabres and New York Rangers on back-to-back nights.

If Richards does get in, it will mark his first NHL game in more than nine turbulent months. And for that reason, he might soon find himself in another league.

Trotz indicated the plan is to have Richards spend the All-Star break conditioning with the team's American Hockey League affiliate in Hershey.