[News] Slava Voynov will leave Kings and return to Russia

[Nehkara]

Voynov planning to return to Russia

“Earlier today, I notified the National Hockey League, the National Hockey League Players’ Association and the Los Angeles Kings of my decision to immediately begin the formal process of returning to Russia with my family. I sincerely apologize to those in and around the game of hockey, who have been affected by my situation, and I also wish the Players of the LA Kings success in the future," the statement read.

The Kings released a statement later on Wednesday, stating the team had already decided Voynov would not play again for the club and the team had placed an in-house deadline of September 17 to terminate his contract. However, the defenceman's decision to return to Russia, "makes the termination unnecessary."

[mile]

Good.

[ThatsRobbery]

Good riddance

[Party Elephant]

Does anyone else think that statement from the kings is a lame attempt at taking the moral high ground? I'm sure they're relieved that the decision was made for them so they didn't have to deal with a potential double standard set by the Richards debacle.

[Phanuthier]

Originally Posted by Party Elephant

Does anyone else think that statement from the kings is a lame attempt at taking the moral high ground? I'm sure they're relieved that the decision was made for them so they didn't have to deal with a potential double standard set by the Richards debacle.

What should they have done otherwise?

Or do people want to continue to cry about Mike Richards?

[mikephoen]

Originally Posted by Phanuthier

What should they have done otherwise?

Or do people want to continue to cry about Mike Richards?

They could have made this statement any time in the last 12 months since this incident first happened. Convenient that they make it the day after Voynov says he's leaving. And the unannounced deadline was tomorrow. What a coincidence!

[Phanuthier]

Originally Posted by mikephoen

They could have made this statement any time in the last 12 months since this incident first happened. Convenient that they make it the day after Voynov says he's leaving. And the unannounced deadline was tomorrow. What a coincidence!

So they should have said "well we plan on terminating Voynov's contract as well, but we don't want to deal with all the legal crap around it and know US immigration will deal with it. so we are just going to tell everyone out there about our intentions, then when Voynov is out of jail, we'll see if immigration will deport him. are you all happy now?"

[Alberta_Beef]

Originally Posted by Party Elephant

Does anyone else think that statement from the kings is a lame attempt at taking the moral high ground? I'm sure they're relieved that the decision was made for them so they didn't have to deal with a potential double standard set by the Richards debacle.

Nope. It's likely the truth, if he was deported they would terminate his contract for the cap relief, since he is leaving on his own they can suspend him and get the same cap relief and retain his rights to bring him back or trade him in the future should he be able to get another visa down the road.

It was the same with Richards, it was about cap relief not morals.

[Phanuthier]

do they manage to avoid the cap recapture penalty by doing this?

[Alberta_Beef]

Originally Posted by Phanuthier

do they manage to avoid the cap recapture penalty by doing this?

I think cap recapture penalties are only on those obscenely long deals signed under the last CBA and Slava signed under the current CBA

[codynw]

Originally Posted by Phanuthier

do they manage to avoid the cap recapture penalty by doing this?

There are no recapture penalties on this contract.

[Phanuthier]

Thanks. I guess at least they saved on any potential legal costs and headaches with going through terminating his contract. Also get to hold on to his rights and fend off anyone else getting him for free. Smart move all around.

[PeteMoss]

Originally Posted by Alberta_Beef

Nope. It's likely the truth, if he was deported they would terminate his contract for the cap relief, since he is leaving on his own they can suspend him and get the same cap relief and retain his rights to bring him back or trade him in the future should he be able to get another visa down the road.

It was the same with Richards, it was about cap relief not morals.

If they really meant what they were saying - wouldn't they terminate his deal anyway? By not doing it - they probably retain his rights if he comes back.

Its just typically Kings nonsense. Hey - we're changing and good guys now - but we still want to retain this guy's rights in case he's allowed back in the country in a few years.

[Hatter]

Don't let the door hit you, Slava. Loser.

[FireGilbert]

Posts #2,3 and 4 are spot on. Possibly the three best consecutive posts in CP history.

[Point Blank]

[Alberta_Beef]

Originally Posted by PeteMoss

If they really meant what they were saying - wouldn't they terminate his deal anyway? By not doing it - they probably retain his rights if he comes back.

Its just typically Kings nonsense. Hey - we're changing and good guys now - but we still want to retain this guy's rights in case he's allowed back in the country in a few years.

it's not typical Kings nonsense. It's called PR, you'd get that response form any professional sports team. Suggesting it's just the Kings is awfully disingenuous.

[PeteMoss]

I agree its PR... but its PR that's easily seen through.

[Alberta_Beef]

Originally Posted by PeteMoss

I agree its PR... but its PR that's easily seen through.

Like 95% of PR isn't easily seen through.

[calgaryblood]

Have to laugh out loud at the Kings attempt to spin the situation. They should have came out a long time ago and said that. But instead use the "you can't quit, you're fired" line.

I have zero doubt they would have welcomed him back.