Richards is a worthwhile gamble, from where I sit.
I'd try and trade Laich to Toronto. They can handle his salary, could use the vet leadership, have good bottom 6 depth to send back, and have no aspirations to win today (this season) or tomorrow (next season).
As I stated in another thread, I'd go after Winnik and/or Spaling. Winnik would cost more, but he'd bring a lot more too. And can play C. He's half the cost of Laich, and signed through next season as well.
Laich, Djoos, and a 2nd for Winnik?
I believe got a 2nd alone a few years ago, so Djoos offsets the Laich cap dump. We have too many young defenseman, that's where we can bleed some assets.
So bottom 6....post Laich trade and Richards "gamble"?
Chimera-Winnik-Wilson
Burakovsky-Richards-Latta
If/when Beagle returns, then slot him back at 3c, move down Winnik, bump Latta.
There is your bottom 6 depth, and we can use Orpik's LTIR slot to add a vet Dman if he can't return