Kings’ Slava Voynov will move to have suspension lifted, agent says

The agent for suspended Kings defenseman Slava Voynov will attempt to have the suspension lifted by the NHL.

Voynov was suspended indefinitely by the league last month after he was arrested on suspicion of domestic violence.

He has not been charged and Redondo Beach Police Lt. Joe Hoffman said, via email, that detectives are scheduled to meet with the district attorney’s office on Monday.

Rolland Hedges, Voynov’s agent, referred to a new section of the collective bargaining agreement where there is an application for a hearing. He said they will be asking for the NHL to hear Voynov’s concerns and rule on whether he could return instead of waiting for the prosecutor’s office to make a decision on the case.

Hedges voiced his increasing frustration in a telephone interview with The Times on Thursday afternoon. Voynov has not played since Oct. 19.
“The player hasn’t been charged with any offense at this point and it’s very difficult for the NHL. We understand that,” Hedges said. “The NHLPA, we understand that, as well.

“But there comes a point where the player’s rights have to be looked at. From this point forward, the player is going to see what can be done to have the suspension lifted. The player has no control over the criminal prosecution at this point, nor should he.”

“But he has cooperated with everything he’s been asked to do. All he’s doing is to look forward to get back to playing hockey. If he is subsequently charged, he looks forward to defending himself on those charges, if in fact they do occur.”

“Slava believes he is innocent. If he has to have his day in court, he will. We all respect the law. But there comes a point where you just can’t sit back.”

”...I think his rights are being infringed right now. That’s the unfortunate part of this process.”

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