NHL, NHLPA agree to grant Kings salary cap relief for Slava Voynov's contract
The NHL and the NHLPA have come to an agreement that will provide the Los Angeles Kings with immediate salary cap relief as it pertains to the contract of defenseman Slava Voynov.
Voynov has spent nearly the past month in legal limbo since his arrest on October 22 for suspicion of domestic violence. On Thursday the L.A. County District Attorney's office decided to charge Voynov with a felony count of spousal abuse.
Shortly after Voynov's arrest the NHL acted to suspend Voynov indefinitely with pay. Due to a reported disagreement between the NHL and NHLPA, Voynov has remained on the Kings books throughout this process, which has limited the club's flexibility and on multiple occasions over the past few weeks has resulted in the defending Stanley Cup champions playing a man short.
Apparently the two sides have reached a compromise. From NHL.com:
In light of the uncertain and potentially extended period of time that the legal process may entail, the NHL and NHLPA have agreed to permit the Kings to replace Mr. Voynov’s Salary and Bonuses pursuant to the Bona Fide Long-Term Injury Exception under the terms of the NHL/NHLPA Collective Bargaining Agreement.
Voynov is signed to a contract with a $4.166 million cap hit that runs through the 2018-19 season. For the time being the Kings will receive cap-relief of the same amount as the average annual value of Voynov's deal.
The 24-year-old is due to appear in court Dec. 1.