Slava Voynov Released from Jail

Nathan Fenno of the LA Times gives us the latest on Slava Voynov. Fenno reported that Voynov has been released from jail and immediately taken into immigration custody by ICE. At each step of the Voynov story, things seem to become more and more complicated. One might think that being released from jail is one step closer to being a Los Angeles Kings defenseman again, but the reality is opposite.

As many already know, Voynov was arrested last October for assaulting his wife at a Halloween party and in their home. He now faces deportation based on how the case with immigration court goes. And it could be a long process based on the court being backed up with cases and the violent nature of this case.

"“An individual with crimes like domestic violence is not in great shape in immigration court,” said Teddy Chadwick, immigration lawyer."

The future of Slava Voynov as a Los Angeles Kings looks murkier than ever right now. Throw in that he’s been suspended without pay for injuring his achilles during off ice activity and there’s little light at the end of the tunnel.

The 25 year old defenseman played a key role in the Los Angeles Kings winning two Stanley Cups. He was positioned as the #2 RD behind Drew Doughty. He gave Doughty a break from having to play so much in so many different roles – even strength, power play, penalty kill, you name it. Voynov is an all around great defenseman. He’s got a good and accurate shot for the power play. He has good hockey sense on the penalty kill. And he’s always put up good numbers as a King.

Many attribute the Los Angeles Kings demise in the 2014-15 season to the loss of Voynov early in the season. The Kings were never able to fill the hole he left.

The salary cap pinch the Kings face has much to do with Voynov, as well. He makes $4 million a year and has to be a key reason why the Kings haven’t made bigger moves on defense this off-season. If everything clears up for Voynov, the Kings have to take Voynov’s salary back on the books. His situation has handcuffed GM, Dean Lombardi, from being more aggressive to fill the defensive hole.

But maybe picking up Ehrhoff will be the answer to our defensive hole in the upcoming season. Let’s hope he is.

Next: More to the Decline of Mike Richards

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