How Does Voynov’s News Affect the Los Angeles Kings?
News broke on Monday, December 15th that the Los Angeles County District Attorney’s office revealed details and evidence in a preliminary hearing in the case against Los Angeles Kings defensemen Slava Voynov.
The 24-year-old Russian defender was formerly charged with one felony count of corporal injury to a spouse with great bodily injury on November 20th by the L.A. County DA’s office. Voynov entered a plea of Not Guilty on December 1st. December 15th is when emerging details became juicy, and gory.
Voynov’s next court date is scheduled for 8:30 a.m. December 29th.
There’s a massive legal battle ahead for Voynov. One question that remains is: what does this mean for the Kings?
In wake of some of the defamatory descriptions of the event and scene thereafter, Voynov could be in some trouble.
The way things are shaping up now, it’s likely that Voynov will never play in the NHL again. There was speculation that the NHL would void Voynov’s contract.
In light of current climate not unreasonable to void Voynov contract; would be contested of course by NHLPA but still reasonable move.
— Eric Macramalla (@EricMacramalla) December 15, 2014
It hasn’t happened yet. The decision is still looming over Voynov’s head and the Kings organization.
Terms of Voynov’s suspension haven’t changed, but the situation for the Kings has.
From @reallisa: No change in the terms of Slava Voynov's #NHL suspension following today's hearing. #Kings
— Nathan Fenno (@nathanfenno) December 15, 2014
The Kings placed Voynov on a long-term Player Not Active status on November 21st, to give the team a reprieve in cap-space. Since October 20th, Voynov has been suspended with pay and remained on the books, taking up a sizable chunk of the Kings cap with his $4.17 million contract.
After placing Voynov on Not Active status, which is similar to Long-Term Injured Reserve, the Kings signed free agent defensemen Jamie McBain. According to capgeek.com the Kings have $3.33 million in available space.
Losing a top-four defenesemen is devastating to any team. And at this point it looks like the Kings need to move forward with the assumption that Voynov will never return to the lineup in the Black and Silver again.
Kings President and General Manager Dean Lombardi, as usual, seems to be keenly aware of the circumstances. Lombardi was in Manchester for the first two-three weeks of December personally scouting L.A.’s prospects. Manchester is the home of the Kings American Hockey League affiliate the Monarchs. Lombardi’s been taking a good long look at the defensive prospects and the Kings pipeline.
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The Kings defensive strength and performance has dipped this season. L.A. still has a strong presence on the blue line, but it’s not the dominant, shut-down defense it’s been in years past.
What’s the next move?
Coming out of the Holiday break it looks like the Kings will keep the same defensive-core, binding the group closer together. For now L.A. will use what’s it’s got, work through the regular season, and look toward the playoffs all the while looking to win that next game.
If Lombardi’s shrew history of player movements are any indication there could be a transaction before or near the NHL Trade Deadline on Monday, March 2nd. Lombardi could look to get a defender, throw off some cap-space and add a wild-card piece for the playoffs that helps the team toward the elusive goal.
Could the Kings try to get a deal done with the Buffalo Sabres who, it’s rumored, are shopping Tyler Myers around? Sure, and a player like Myers would be a steal. Lombardi could send the Kings 1st round draft pick, a veteran player like Jarret Stoll, and a prospect across the country in the hopes of locking down a defensmen for the future.
If a deal like that were to get done the price would be very high – it’s part of Sabres GM Tim Murray’s demanding style. The Kings might even have to send a player like Tanner Pearson or Tyler Toffoli in the package, and the Kings may not be willing to part with players that seem to be young keystone talents.
Myers is a $5.5 million cap-hit so he may not be the best choice for a trade, though his talent is desirable.
L.A. could move on a player like Keith Yandle of the Arizona Coyotes. Yandle is another expensive player, at $5.25 million cap-hit. He’s also a career Coyote. Trades within a division are usually a no-no as well but Arizona is having a season that could put them in the running for a top three draft pick. Yandle generates a ton of offense and is a physical presence on the blue line as well.
One last trade option could be the New Jersey Devils young defensemen Adam Larsson. Larsson’s pedigree put him as one of the premier up-and-coming defensmen in the NHL. However, he’s struggled in New Jersey. Now that the Devils fired head coach Peter DeBoer today things could change.
The Kings could swoop in and try to snatch Larsson and change both his future and the franchise’s. Larsson is known for offensive play and skill with the puck, which could fill a hole that Voynov left behind. Larsson is only a $900,000 cap-hit and is set to become a restricted free-agent at the end of the season.
Apr 13, 2014; Newark, NJ, USA; New Jersey Devils defenseman Adam Larsson (5) skates with the puck during the third period at Prudential Center. The Devils defeated the Bruins 3-2. Mandatory Credit: Ed Mulholland-USA TODAY Sports
It’s unrealistic for the Kings to trade Voynov’s rights. They would have to find a team willing to gamble on a long-shot. Even then, the return for Voynov would not be very much, at least not what he is worth when he steps on the ice.
That’s the trade news. McBain was the best available in the free agent market in the Kings eyes.
Calling up another defensemen is unlikely. It would be strange to pull a player out of AHL action to be a health NHL scratch. Allow the prospects time, and give them the experience to develop. If there are no changes before the playoffs come, don’t be surprised if that’s when the Kings call up and extra defender. And don’t be surprised if it’s Jeff Schultz.
Right now the focus, as the players, coaches and management will say, is on today and winning the next game. A GM has to look at the team across a few years. Fans want to know what’s going on with this season.
At this point Voynov is lost for this season, if not longer.
The beat goes on, and the Kings next move is anyone’s guess. For now, it’s just about the work ahead and that next game.
L.A. faces off against the San Jose Sharks tomorrow at 7:00 p.m. PST at Staples Center.
Feb 15, 2013; Los Angeles, CA, USA; Los Angeles Kings defenseman Slava Voynov (26) in the first period against the Columbus Blue Jackets at the Staples Center. Mandatory Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-USA TODAY Sports