Kings given salary cap relief during Slava Voynov suspension
The NHL announced Friday that the Los Angeles Kings can receive salary cap relief for defenseman Slava Voynov, who will continue to be suspended indefinitely.
Voynov was charged with one felony count of corporal injury to a spouse on Thursday, including an allegation of causing great bodily injury. If convicted, he faces a maximum of nine years in state prison.
The NHL suspended Voynov with pay on Oct. 20 hours after he was arrested on suspicion of felony domestic violence. His salary of $4.17 million has counted against his team's salary cap, which Los Angeles will now be freed of while he is suspended.
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The NHL ruled that "in light of the uncertain and potentially extended period of time that the legal process may entail," the Kings can replace his salary and bonuses "pursuant to the Bona Fide Long-Term Injury Exception under the terms of the NHL/NHLPA Collective Bargaining Agreement."
Los Angeles designated Voynov as a non-roster player on Nov. 11 and signed defenseman Jamie McBain to replace him. Voynov has been banned from all team activities but has been allowed to skate on their home ice and work out with Kings coaches on his own.
Voynov signed a six-year, $25 million contract extension before last season.
- Molly Geary