Today in NHL news Arbitrator Shyam Das issued his decision in regards to Slava Voynov’s appeal to his one year suspension, which honestly we didn’t know was happeninng and honestly shouldn’t have either, but here we are.
So here is the statement by the NHL and NHLPA in regards to Voynov’s suspension:
NEW YORK/TORONTO (May 23, 2019) – The National Hockey League Players’ Association and National Hockey League announced today that Arbitrator Shyam Das has issued his decision with respect to the appeal of defenseman Vyacheslav Voynov’s one-season suspension issued pursuant to Article 18-A of the NHL/NHLPA Collective Bargaining Agreement. Arbitrator Das upheld the Commissioner’s determination that Voynov be suspended for the equivalent of one NHL season, but found that he is to be credited with having already served 41 games of such suspension during the 2018-19 regular season. Accordingly, the suspension will remain in effect until the mid-point of the 2019-20 regular season.
Here is the statement by the NHL in regards to the decision on the Voynov appeal:
NEW YORK (May 23, 2019) – The National Hockey League released the following statement today regarding Arbitrator Shyam Das’ decision in the NHLPA’s appeal of Vyacheslav Voynov’s League-imposed suspension for domestic assault:
“We have reviewed Arbitrator Das’ opinion in the NHLPA’s appeal of Vyacheslav Voynov’s suspension for domestic assault, which upheld the Commissioner’s imposition of a one-season (one-year) suspension for Voynov’s off-ice conduct in October 2014. In his decision, Arbitrator Das confirmed that there was substantial evidence to support each of the Commissioner’s material factual findings as well as the quantum of discipline imposed. Arbitrator Das described his decision to grant Mr. Voynov some ‘credit for time served’ for a portion of the 2018/19 season as being due to various ‘highly unusual facts and circumstances [which] were not contemplated by the drafters of [the CBA] and do not easily fit into its procedures.’ While we do not believe Mr. Voynov was entitled to any ‘credit’ for time missed during 2018/19 season, we accept Arbitrator Das’ conclusion that the precise factual context here was unusual – including the fact Voynov has not played in the NHL since October 2014, and that he did not play professional hockey at all during the 2018/19 season.
“Taken in its totality, we are satisfied that Arbitrator Das’ decision supports our strongly held views that the conduct engaged in by Mr. Voynov in this case was completely unacceptable and worthy of significant League-imposed discipline. The decision also confirms and reaffirms the Commissioner’s broad authority under the CBA and applicable League Rules to establish – and to enforce – appropriate standards of conduct for individuals involved in the National Hockey League.”
Then we had the statement from the Los Angeles Kings who still hold the rights to Voynov:
“Today the NHL arbitrator rendered a final decision on further discipline to Slava Voynov. From our perspective, the player will not be playing for the Kings. We will now determine the impact of the arbitrator’s decision on our rights to the player and consider our options going forward.”
We here at TXHT try to stay partial, but this a topic that we are going to express our opinions freely on because we are honestly disturbed that Slava Voynov has been reinstated and served with a one year suspension opening the door for him to come back. He should never be allowed to play ever again in the NHL for what he has done. He beat his girlfriend to a bloody pulp and it’s disgusting. People like Voynov do not deserve the privilege to play in the NHL, and we applaud the Los Angeles Kings on their swift action and issuing a statement declaring that Voynov will not play for them.