The NHL has acted swiftly in response to Slava Voynov participation in the Kings’ optional practice on Tuesday morning, which he’s ineligible to do while suspended indefinitely on charges of domestic assault.
From the league:
The Los Angeles Kings have been fined $100,000 for violating the terms of defenseman Slava Voynov’s suspension, the National Hockey League announced today.
Voynov skated with teammates today during a Club practice. Such activity is in direct contravention of the terms of the suspension levied Oct. 20, which permit Mr. Voynov to use club facilities and work with team personnel but prohibit his participation in any team-related functions or activities.
Per the OC Register, the Kings did not get permission from the league for Voynov to practice. When pressed about why he did, the club suggested that -- because it was an optional skate (that all members of the team attended) -- Voynov was eligible to participate.
In a previous email to the Register, NHL deputy commissioner Bill Daly clearly laid out the terms of Voynov’s suspension, after Voynov skated individually both prior to and after some Kings practices:
Daly said the workout “is permissible under the terms of the suspension. He is prohibited only from participating in team activities (practices and other mandatory or optional team functions).”
Voynov plead not guilty at his arraignment yesterday. His next court appearance is Dec. 15.
UPDATE: The Kings have issued the following statement...
“This was clearly a mistake on our part and we accept full responsibility. It is incumbent upon us to be more vigilant in managing this situation to ensure that Slava’s allowable training activities always remain separate from the team.”