Sep 28, 2014; Anaheim, CA, USA; Los Angeles Kings defender Slava Voynov (26) looks up during a break in play against the Anaheim Ducks during the third period at Honda Center. The Los Angeles Kings defeated the Anaheim Ducks with a final score of 4-2. Mandatory Credit: Kelvin Kuo-USA TODAY Sports
After a missing nearly the entire 2014-15 season due to his legal issues, Slava Voynov has opted to "self-deport" and head back to Russia.
Voynov's agent, Rolland Hedges, released the following statement by Voynov regarding Voynov's decision:
On Oct. 20, 2014, Voynov was indefinitely suspended by the NHL following a domestic violence arrest. Voynov had been accused of hitting, kicking and choking his wife, Marta Varlamova, following an arguement. Voynov pleaded no contest to the charges, and was sentenced to 90 days in jail and received three years of probation. Following his release on July 7, Voynov was taken into custody by U.S. Immigration and Customs Department and was at risk of deportation.
Voynov was set to make $19.25 million over the remaining four years on his contract. The Kings are now no longer obligated to pay out the contract.
The Kings currently have 13 NHL forwards, seven NHL defensemen and two goaltenders under contract. Los Angeles have $4.8 million in cap space, according to General Fanager.
According to Chris Johnston of Sportsnet, the Kings will not terminate his contract, and will maintain the rights to Voynov. Johnston also noted that the Kings do not plan on having Voynov return to the team.
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