Kings' Slava Voynov pleads not guilty to domestic violence charge

Suspended Kings defenseman Slava Voynovpleaded not guilty to a domestic violence charge during his arraignment Monday.

Voynov was charged with one felony count of corporal injury to a spouse in November, following an October incident with his wife. The charges carry a maximum sentence of nine years in prison. Voynov is accused of injuring his wife at their home in Southern California. He took her to a hospital to be treated for her injuries and was arrested there.

Voynov's wife said in an affidavit that she did not feel threatened by him and a judge allowed Voynov to continue to live with her and have "peaceful" contact.

The NHL suspended Voynov shortly after his arrest. The Kings designated him as a non-roster player on Nov. 11 and signed defenseman Jamie McBain to replace him.

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On Nov. 21, the NHL announced it would provide the Kings with salary cap relief by allowing them to treat Voynov like a player on long-term injured reserve.

Voynov's next court appearance is scheduled for Dec. 15.

- Dan Gartland