LA Kings defenceman Slava Voynov is returning to Russia after domestic violence troubles

LOS ANGELES — Defenceman Slava Voynov says he will return home to Russia, leaving the Los Angeles Kings in the wake of his legal troubles on domestic violence charges.

Voynov announced his intention to self-deport Wednesday in a statement through his agent, Rolland Hedges.

Voynov pleaded no contest in July to a misdemeanour charge of domestic violence against his wife, Marta Varlamova.

The two-time Stanley Cup champion spent two months in jail before his release Sept. 3, when he was taken into custody by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement.

In a statement, Voynov apologized to “those in and around the game of hockey who have been affected by my situation.”

He has been suspended by the NHL since his arrest in late October 2014. The Kings also suspended him this summer.

Greg Beacham, The Associated Press