Flyers continue to clean house by sending captain Mike Richards to LA Kings

Philadelphia Flyers' captain Mike Richards, left, and Danny Brier, smile at each other in the closing seconds of the third period in Game 7 of a first-round NHL Stanley Cup playoffs hockey series, Tuesday, April 26, 2011, in Philadelphia. The Philadelphia Flyers have pulled the trigger on their second blockbuster deal of the day.Flyers captain Mike Richards is headed to the Los Angeles Kings in exchange for Wayne Simmonds, Brayden Schenn and a draft pick. (AP Photo/Tom Mihalek)

PHILADELPHIA - The Philadelphia Flyers have pulled the trigger on their second blockbuster deal of the day.

Flyers captain Mike Richards is headed to the Los Angeles Kings in exchange for Wayne Simmonds, Brayden Schenn and a draft pick.

The deal was confirmed on the L.A. Kings official Twitter feed.

The news came less than an hour after the Flyers announced a deal with the Blue Jackets, sending top goal scorer Jeff Carter to Columbus for forward Jake Voracek and the club's first- and third-round picks.

Richards had been the Flyers captain and had 23 goals and 66 points this season. He has nine years left on a 12-year contract extension he signed in 2007.

It also allowed the Flyers to clear cap space to sign goalie Ilya Bryzgalov. There are reports that the goalie has already signed a nine-year deal.

Carter's presence finally gives the Blue Jackets a top-line centre to pair with their best player, Rick Nash.

- with files from The Associated Press.