Los Angeles Kings: Slava Voynov clears first step in attempt to return

The Los Angeles Kings could have a tough decision on their hands if the NHL decides to reinstate Slava Voynov

Three years ago, the Los Angeles Kings and their fans were blindsided by the news that one of their top defenseman and two-time Stanley Cup champ, Slava Voynov, was charged with domestic abuse against his wife.

He pled no contest to a misdemeanor charge of corporal injury to a spouse. Voynov served almost two months in jail and returned to his native Russia upon his release rather than risk facing deportation.

Two-Time Stanley Cup Champ

Voynov was not just another piece of the Kings. He was a star and part of the defensive squad that dominated the NHL and brought the Kings the first two Cups in their history. This goal-saving play by Voynov happened just moments before Alec Martinez scored in OT to win the Cup in 2014.

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Losing him with no compensation was a blow to an organization that many feel has never fully recovered. The Kings have struggled ever since one of their prized gems was plucked from their crown just as they were preparing to defend their title.

Since his departure, the Kings have won a total of one playoff game in two very short appearances. There were cries of outrage, first for the quick rush to judgment.

Then, as the facts trickled in and Voynov’s guilt became undeniable, his defenders changed their tune virtually overnight. He was vilified in the media, on Kings fans boards, and gathering spots for both his abhorrent behavior and the damage he inflicted on their beloved team.

Superior Court Judge Clears Voynov to return to US

Fast forward to this week. At a hearing in Torrance at Los Angeles County Superior Court, Voynov was granted dismissal of his misdemeanor domestic abuse conviction in a move that could clear a path for his return to the NHL. What comes next is a hearing in front of Gary Bettman and the NHL where he will officially request reinstatement.

If, and it’s still a big if, Voynow clears that big hurdle, all eyes will turn to the Kings who terminated his six-year $25-million contract back when all this went down, but who still retain his rights. What to do?

There is a visceral reaction to something as heinous as domestic abuse. It carries a stigma that cannot simply be forgotten by a court ruling, or in this case, a team and fan base who felt betrayed and stung by his reprehensible behavior.

Then there is the flip side of the coin. Voynov did not leave hockey behind whilst in Russia. Not at all, he starred in the KHL and led Russia to an Olympic gold medal earlier this year. He is still a premier defenseman and the fact is that the Kings D-corps is thin, even with all-world Drew Doughty and his new 8-year contract. Voynov is just 28 years old, presumably in the prime of his career.

What options do the Kings have?

As we see it the Kings have a few options they can exercise:

Trade his rights for something.
Let him plead his case, first to the Kings front office. Then in a public forum, like the Kings annual State of the Franchise meeting with season ticket holders. He will also have to field questions from the aforementioned fans. If all goes well, sign him to a league minimum deal.
If neither the Kings nor any other NHL team wants him, do nothing.

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After Bettman, the Kings hold all the cards. What would you do? Any or some of the above? Something else? Please leave your thoughts and comments below.

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