NHL free agent Mike Richards set for court Dec. 8.

EMERSON, Manitoba (AP) The case involving NHL player Mike Richards, who is charged with possession of a controlled substance, has been put off until Dec. 8.

He did not appear in provincial court Thursday and was represented by his lawyer. Police in Manitoba charged Richards last month.

Richards, of Kenora, Ontario, was arrested and released June 17 after Emerson police were notified that a controlled substance had been intercepted by Canadian border authorities.

Richards became a free agent after the Los Angeles Kings terminated his contract this summer, citing breach of contract. The NHL Players' Association filed a grievance on Richards' behalf.