How Will the Kings Look Without Slava Voynov?

April 17, 2014; San Jose, CA, USA; Los Angeles Kings head coach Darryl Sutter (top left) and goalie Jonathan Quick (32, top right) look on from the bench against the San Jose Sharks during the third period in game one of the first round of the 2014 Stanley Cup Playoffs at SAP Center at San Jose. The Sharks defeated the Kings 6-3. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports

On Monday, October 20th, the breaking news story of the morning for Kings-Nation and the NHL was not Sunday’s 2-1 victory over the Minnesota Wild.  It was a story about defensemen Slava Voynov being suspended indefinitely for domestic violence.

It’s a disappointing story, and unfortunately for the team the Kings have to move on.  So what does this mean for the team?  How will the Kings look?  What does this mean for their Cup chances?  What are the Kings options sans Slava?

The Kings blueline has been missing Jake Muzzin since the preseason.  Muzzin is still recovering from an undisclosed upper-body injury.  Brayden McNabb has suited up in Muzzin’s place, but if Jake can’t go on Thursday night when the Kings face-off against the Buffalo Sabres head coach Darryl Sutter will be faced with the difficult choice of skating five defensemen or calling someone up from the Manchester Monarchs, the Kings American Hockey League affiliate and farm club team.

Andrew Bodnarchuk is the next defensemen on the depth chart, but he, like Muzzin, has been out since the Kings training camp.  Bodnarchuk sustained a knee injury during one of the Kings practices.

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Some names have been discussed but the next most likely defensemen to be called up for the Kings will be either Derek Forbort, Colin Miller, Jeff Schultz.  Each player is in a unique position, bringing benefits to the team, but each has potential drawbacks.

Jeff Schultz played for the Kings in the 2014 Stanley Cup Playoffs, and has previous NHL experience playing with the Washington Capitals from 2006-2013.  Schultz held his own on the Kings blueline, playing in 7 games over which he was a -1, with 0 points.  Schultz is consistent defensivly but won’t generate a lot of offense.  What you see is what you get.  The drawback for Schultz is his contract status.  Schultz is not on an entry-level contract or two-way deal.  If the Kings call him up to the NHL roster and later want to send him back to the AHL, Schultz will have to pass through waivers and could potentially get picked up by another team.

May 8, 2014; Los Angeles, CA, USA; Los Angeles Kings defenseman Jeff Schultz (55) and Anaheim Ducks center Nick Bonino (13) battle for the puck during the second period in game three of the second round of the 2014 Stanley Cup Playoffs at Staples Center. Mandatory Credit: Richard Mackson-USA TODAY Sports

Colin Miller is a 21-year-old with one year of AHL experience under his belt.  After setting career highs in his third year with the Sault Ste. Marie Grayhounds of the Ontario Hockey League – 20 goals, 55 points, +13 in 54 games – Miller moved on to Manchester.  Miller is 6’1, 200 pounds.  Miller has a great shot from the point and stands out as an offensive defensemen.  Miller is actually similar to Voynov, but much more raw.  Entering the second year of his entry-level contract, Miller has a two-way deal and would not have to pass through waivers.  Lack of experience at hockey’s highest level could be a concern; not just for the team, but for Miller’s personal development as well.

Derek Forbort was the Kings first round pick, 15th overall, in the 2010 NHL Entry Draft.  Outside rookie training camp Forbort has never played in NHL action.  22-years-old Forbort is large and in charge; standing 6’4, and 212 pounds.  Forbort was a standout with the United States 18-and-Under National Development Program before playing three years at the University of North Dakota.  During the 2013-2014 season Forbort played 74 games with the Monarchs, registering 1 goal, 17 points, and a +19 rating.  Forbort is like a younger Willie Mitchell.  Forbort will have to continue to refine his game if he wants to get to Mitchell’s level.  Forbort may be part of the reason the Kings allowed Mitchell to sign elsewhere in free agency, becoming a cap-casualty.  But Forbort still needs to work on and develop his game to become an NHL regular.  Forbort is in the second year of an entry-level contract, on a two-way deal.  However, he is more expensive; with a cap hit of an additional $260,000 more than Colin Miller.

The Kings currently have $492,530 in available cap-space according to capgeek.  The number could be adjusted if the Kings are allowed to place Voynov on a type of long-term Injured Reserve for suspended players.  Voynov will continue to earn his salary while on suspension during the pending investigation, but the Kings may be able to adjust their cap-space to cover the vacant roster spot.

The Kings cut down to skating four defensemen during the third period against the St. Louis Blues, ultimately winning 1-0 in a shootout.  Voynov was one of the top four defensemen.  And that was just for one period.  Skating with five defensemen could be an option, but it’s not likely or a good idea, because if another one goes down with an injury or for some reason gets tossed out of a game or were to get suspended, the Kings would trap themselves with two D pairs, and the only in-game option of dropping a forward back to defense.

Slava Voynov’s court date is December 1st, not this Wednesday, October 22nd as was originally indicated.  Voynov posted bail so his arraignment will be December 1st.

The Kings will be without Voynov for the rest of 2014, if not the entire 2014-2015 season.  Voynov is the second best defensemen on the team behind superstar Drew Doughty.  No Slava hurts the Kings chances of repeating as champs, but it doesn’t make it impossible.  The motto of professional sports is, be ready – the next man up.  The Kings team and defensive unit will have to step up as a whole if they want to keep their dynasty hopes alive.

In all likelihood the Kings will call up Colin Miller.  Derek Forbort will be the second option; though the Kings may implement a combination where Miller and Forbort split time with the Kings club.  One thing is for sure, Brayden McNabb will remain on the dress-list roster.

Each season has new challenges.  This is the first hurdle the Kings must overcome to achieve the legacy they desire and return to their former glory.