Slava Voynov could be back in the NHL as early as 2020, the league announced Tuesday via press release.
Voynov has been suspended the entirety of next season stemming from an arrest for domestic abuse in October 2014, in which his wife said he kicked, punched and choked her. He pleaded no contest to misdemeanor corporal injury to a spouse and was sentenced to 90 days in jail and three years probation, which came to an end last year.
Due to the bloody incident, Voynov’s contract with the L.A. Kings was terminated. He left the U.S. to return home to Russia, and has spent the last three seasons playing in the KHL and won gold with the Olympic Athletes from Russia at the Pyeongchang Games. The 29-year-old defenseman had his record expunged in July by a Los Angeles judge.
“I have determined that Player Slava Voynov engaged in acts of domestic violence directed at his wife,” Commissioner Gary Bettman said. “Today’s ruling, while tailored to the specific facts of this case and the individuals involved, is necessary and consistent with the NHL’s strongly-held policy that it cannot and will not tolerate this and similar types of conduct, particularly as directed at a spouse, domestic partner or family member.”
Voynov will be eligible to play in the NHL again on July 1, 2020 — assuming good behavior, according to the league.
The NHL Players’ Association says it is reviewing the decision. The Kings retain Voynov’s rights, though the team told The Athletic, “We are reviewing the NHL’s recent decision on Slava Voynov. It is premature for us to comment until we understand what today’s decision, which can be appealed, means in its entirety.”