NHL commissioner Gary Bettman put his foot down Monday, saying former Los Angeles Kings defenseman Slava Voynov won't play in the World Cup of Hockey due to his league suspension, but Russia isn't ready to give up.
The Russian Ice Hockey Federation (RHF) has an ongoing dialogue with the NHL about Voynov's participation in the tournament, according to Russian news agency TASS.
"The Russian Ice Hockey Federation is holding negotiations with the organizers of the World Cup - the NHL - concerning the issue of national team's defender Vyacheslav Voynov," the RHF's press service said Tuesday.
"The Russian Ice Hockey Federation hopes that the organizers of the international competition will make a positive decision on the issue and the defender will be allowed to be included in the roster of the Russian national team."
The RHF said Rene Fasel, president of the International Ice Hockey Federation (IIHF), is also part of the negotiations.
Voynov was charged with domestic violence, and spent two months in prison before returning home to Russia. He was suspended indefinitely, and had his contract voided by the NHL. The 26-year-old spent this season with SKA St. Petersburg of the KHL.
The World Cup gets underway Sept. 17.
- With h/t to NBC Sports
