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LA Kings say 'the punishment is fair and just' in Voynov plea deal

Los Angeles Kings' Slava Voynov appears in Superior Court, Thursday July 2, 2015 in Torrance, Calif. Los Angeles Kings defenseman Slava Voynov pleaded no contest to a misdemeanor Thursday in a domestic violence incident with his wife that escalated after a Halloween party last year.(Brad Graverson/The Daily Breeze via AP) MAGS OUT; NO SALES; MANDATORY CREDIT

The LA Kings said the organization believes the Slava Voynov situation has been essentially solved by Voynov’s pleading ‘no contest’ to misdemeanor corporal injury to a spouse.

Said the Kings in a statement:

 “We believe the legal system has effectively resolved this matter and the punishment is fair and just. Any act of domestic violence is unacceptable. As an organization, the prevention of domestic violence and the education of our players and employees is of paramount importance. We will continue to actively develop and implement a strategy to deliver this message. We remain steadfast in our support of the National Hockey League as they now begin their own investigative process. Until that is complete we will withhold further comment.”

Said NHL deputy commissioner Bill Daly:

"We are aware of the latest developments in court today related to the Slava Voynov matter.  His immediate status vis-a-vis the NHL remains unchanged. At an appropriate time, I am sure we will be in touch with Mr. Voynov and the NHLPA with respect to next steps regarding the League's review and further handling of the events at issue."

Voynov will get 90 days in jail and three years probation. He will also have 52 weeks of domestic violence counseling and eight hours of community service.

Per earlier testimony in the trial, authorities said Voynov’s wife had facial lacerations and was pushed to the ground repeatedly and kicked multiple times.

The NHL suspended the 25-year-old defenseman indefinitely in late October after he was arrested under suspicion of abusing his wife. Voynov was charged with a felony before the plea deal reduced the charge.

The Kings have always maintained they agreed with the NHL’s decision to suspend Voynov, though questioned the league’s initial ruling to let Voynov’s $4.167 million salary cap hit stand.

The NHL eventually gave the Kings salary cap relief. Voynov is under contract through the 2018-19 season.

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Josh Cooper is an editor for Puck Daddy on Yahoo Sports. Have a tip? Email him at puckdaddyblog@yahoo.com or follow him on Twitter!

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