By going with the option to “self-depart,” Slava Voynov is leaving the Los Angeles Kings and heading back to Russia.
Voynov released a statement via his agent, Rolland Hedges, sharing the stunning (yet perhaps foreseeable?) decision:
“Earlier today, I notified the National Hockey League, 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. 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 OC Register’s Rich Hammond reports that this decision may allow Voynov to return to North America at some point in the future:
I was told, by an immigration attorney, that self-deportation leaves open the possibility Voynov could return years later on new visa.
— Rich Hammond (@Rich_Hammond) September 16, 2015
Also, Hammond notes that this isn’t quite a done deal, although the process is likely to be completed.
Technically, the government has to agree to Voynov's desire to voluntarily deport. Voynov has stated his intention to start the process.
— Rich Hammond (@Rich_Hammond) September 16, 2015
Immigration lawyer Daniel Todd said there would "seem to be little incentive" for the government to decline the request.
— Rich Hammond (@Rich_Hammond) September 16, 2015
As far as Voynov’s money goes, it appears that the Kings are free of that burden:
Slava Voynov had $19.25M in actual dollars owed on the remaining four years of his contract ... #LAKings now off the hook.
— Chris Johnston (@reporterchris) September 16, 2015
Kings now have $4.8-million in cap space pending what happens with Mike Richards.
— James Mirtle (@mirtle) September 16, 2015
As Puck Daddy reports, NHL deputy commissioner Bill Daly confirms that there will be “no cap charge” for the Kings.
Update: The Kings released a statement regarding Voynov, which you can read more about here.
Also, Hammond explains that Voynov is going to self-depart, not self-deport:
Other important note: Voynov has chosen to self-DEPART, not self-DEPORT. Big difference in long-term consequences/possible return.
— Rich Hammond (@Rich_Hammond) September 17, 2015