Just because Slava Voynov was named to Russia’s World Cup of Hockey roster Friday doesn’t necessarily mean he’ll be permitted to participate in the tournament.
The former Los Angeles Kings defenceman and two-time Stanley Cup champion served two months in jail on domestic violence charges. He was detained by immigration officials and faced deportation.
Voynov, 26, voluntarily returned to Russia last year, joining SKA St. Petersburg of the KHL. The player’s contract with the Kings was voided at that time. Voynov’s legal troubles could prevent him from representing his country this September in Toronto.
Both the NHL and the Players’ Association, which run World Cup jointly, are reviewing the matter.
“We will obviously have to review his status with the Players’ Association prior to the start of the tournament in September,” Bill Daly, the NHL’s deputy commissioner, stated. “It is not my current expectation that this player will be deemed eligible to play in the World Cup of Hockey.”
As a member of Russia’s national team, Voynov won a bronze medal at the IIHF World Championship last weekend.
