- Pierre LeBrun of ESPN: Slava Voynov released a statement through his agent.
“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,” Voynov said in the statement. “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 NHL would have likely suspended without pay if he tried to resume his NHL career. The. U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement had taken Voynov into custody after he was released from jail earlier this month. He may have been deported. Voynov had four year left on his deal with a cap hit of $4.16 million.
- Rich Hammond: “Technically, the government has to agree to Voynov’s desire to voluntarily deport. Voynov has stated his intention to start the process … Other important note: Voynov has chosen to self-DEPART, not self-DEPORT. Big difference in long-term consequences/possible return.”
- Elliott Teaford: The Kings say they had planned terminate Voynov’s contract before the start of training camp. Once Voynov decided to return to Russia, idea to terminate changed.
- Eric Macramalla: “Slava #Voynov electing for voluntary departure over a forced removal order may allow him to return to the U.S. earlier. Strategic move, and that’s why the L.A. Kings see no reason to terminate Voynov’s deal. They seem him as an asset that could return.”
- Slava Malamud: Voynov’s KHL rights are currently held by Traktor Chelyabinsk of the KHL and will be sold to the highest bidder.
- Chris Kuc of the Chicago Tribune: Patrick Kane is on the Blackhawks training camp roster and is expected to be at the start of camp. Some veterans who are trying to make the team include Jake Dowell, Tomas Kopecky, Daniel Paille, Kyle Cumiskey, Jan Hejda, Michal Rozsival and Lubomir Visnovsky.
- Chris Hine of the Chicago Tribune: Blackhawks GM Stan Bowman and head coach Joel Quenneville will talk to reporters and are expected to discuss the Kane situation. It is not known if Kane will speak as well. Kane is still under investigation, and will be in front of the grand jury later this month. The NHL has the option to suspended Kane under Article 18-A.5 which in part states:
“create a substantial risk of material harm to the legitimate interests and/or reputation of the League.”
- Wes Gilbertson of the Calgary Herald: Ryan Wilson will be joining Aaron Johnson and Douglas Murray at the Flames training camp on a PTO.
- Rich Chere of NJ.com: The Devils have invited Lee Stempniak and Tyler Kennedy to training camp on a PTO. The Devils also signed Jiri Tlusty to a one year contract.
- Renaud Lavoie: The Avalanche sign Freddie Hamilton to a two-way $688,000 contract.
- Arthur Staple: The Islanders have signed RFA Brock Nelson to a three-year, $7.5 million contract: $1.5 million, $2.5 million and $3.5 million.
- Renaud Lavoie: The Panthers sign RFA Jonathan Huberdeau to a two-year, $6.5 million deal.