LOS ANGELES – The Kings are in hot water again over suspended defenseman Slava Voynov. On Tuesday, the NHL fined the defending Stanley Cup Champions $100,000 for violating the terms of Voynov’s suspension.
The league announced early in the afternoon that Voynov was seen skating with his teammates on Tuesday during a volunteer practice. According to the terms of Voynov’s suspension the defenseman is barred from all club facilities, team personnel and any work with the team while he is serving his suspension.
“Such activity is in direct contravention of the terms of the suspension levied on Oct. 20, which permit Mr. Voynov to use club facilities and work with team personnel but prohibit his participation in any team-related functions or activities,” read a statement by the NHL.
Voynov is currently facing a felony charge of domestic violence against his wife following an October arrest. The fine caused a firestorm on Twitter as the Kings offered a response to the league saying that Voynov was not in violation because the morning skate was “optional.”
“It was an optional skate and everybody went,” said Kings coach Darryl Sutter. “He was supposed to come out after with the injured guys right after practice. Everybody went today.”
The explanation by the Kings was not enough to stop the NHL from dropping the proverbial hammer down on the Champs and the organization will now have to open up their checkbooks and take this one on the chin.
Voynov has caused numerous problems for the Kings since his October arrest, after his initial suspension, the Kings were unable to sign or call up any other defenseman and played shorthanded at the position for weeks because of the salary cap. Last week, the NHL agreed to give the Kings relief on the salary cap allowing Voynov’s salary to come off the books while he serves his suspension.
Voynov maintains his innocence, as he pleaded not guilty to injuring his spouse. The 24-year-old hockey star will be in court on December 15th for a preliminary hearing.
© 2024 Latin Times. All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission.
