Voynov plea expunged, via reports; links

Slava Voynov successfully petitioned for an expungement of his domestic violence plea, multiple news outlets reported Monday. This is the most recent step undertaken by Voynov to attempt a return to the NHL after the league suspended him indefinitely following his arrest on suspicion of domestic abuse on October 20, 2014. Voynov, who has played for SKA St. Petersburg in the KHL for the last three years, remains suspended by the NHL.

“Any decision to reinstate Slava Voynov into the league is in the hands of the NHL. It is premature to comment prior to the NHL’s ruling,” the Kings said in a statement.

For important context, Katie Strang of The Athletic has an unlocked story that provides a step-by-step examination of multiple processes involved.

Via Strang on June 21:

According to NHL deputy commissioner Bill Daly, Voynov’s current status is that he remains suspended and is not eligible to play in the NHL. And though sources told The Athletic that a meeting already took place between Voynov, the NHL and his agent in late May to discuss a path to return to the NHL, his current eligibility would not change until he sits down with Bettman for a formal hearing. (Voynov’s agent, Rolland Hedges, declined to comment when reached by phone Tuesday but acknowledged his client would like to return to the NHL).

“Before his suspension could be lifted, he would have to participate in a proceeding before the Commissioner pursuant to which the terms/parameters of his suspension and ultimate return to play would be clarified and confirmed,” Daly told The Athletic via email.

Though the Kings terminated Voynov’s contract, he is listed as being voluntarily retired. They retain his rights, which could be acquired by an NHL team via trade.

Get involved with Peace Over Violence | About Peace Over Violence

More: ESPN.com (pre-expungement) | ESPN.com (post-expungement) | NBC Los Angeles | More to come…

-Lead photo via Juan Ocampo/NHLI