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Montreal Canadiens rumoured to have interest in Slava Voynov

By Omar L

GANGNEUNG, SOUTH KOREA - FEBRUARY 16: Viatcheslav 'Slava' Voynov of Olympic Athlete from Russia during the Men's Ice Hockey Preliminary Round Group B game between Olympic Athletes from Russia and Slovenia at Gangneung Hockey Centre on February 16, 2018 in Gangneung, South Korea. (Photo by Jean Catuffe/Getty Images)
GANGNEUNG, SOUTH KOREA - FEBRUARY 16: Viatcheslav 'Slava' Voynov of Olympic Athlete from Russia during the Men's Ice Hockey Preliminary Round Group B game between Olympic Athletes from Russia and Slovenia at Gangneung Hockey Centre on February 16, 2018 in Gangneung, South Korea. (Photo by Jean Catuffe/Getty Images) /
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A Russian article revealed that former Los Angeles Kings defenceman Slava Voynov is eyeing a return to the NHL and the Montreal Canadiens are one of the teams in play.

The marquee name coming out of the KHL this year was meant to be Ilya Kovalchuk. A return to the NHL was a hot topic last summer, but with the New Jersey Devils still holding his rights, the process was a little muddled. However, contracts in both leagues are expired, and Kovalchuk will be free to come back to the NHL as a free agent. The Montreal Canadiens may be one of the teams to be in contact with his camp, but there is another name out of the KHL they may be in communication with.

A Russian article by Sport-Express revealed that former Los Angeles Kings defenceman Slava Voynov is interested in playing in the NHL again. Similarly to Kovalchuk, his contract has reached its end, and there are five teams who may be in on him. One of those teams are the Montreal Canadiens.

There’s no denying Voynov’s talents on the blueline as he’s displayed the ability to play on a team’s top pair. But we can’t ignore the elephant in the room. The 28-year-old was removed from the NHL and prohibited from taking part in the 2016 World Cup of Hockey for a reason. If focusing on player attitude and character is the new focus for the Habs, it’s shocking to hear that there have been discussions between the two camps.

Additionally, it’ll take a lot for Voynov to receive permission to re-enter the league much less sign with one of its teams. Acquiring talent is one thing, but the Montreal Canadiens can’t sacrifice that for the impact it will have on the locker room and organization as a whole.

Next: Tryouts Who Deserve a Contract

Some may bring up the fact that Alexander Radulov chose to have the Habs as his returning ticket to the NHL after the issues in Nashville. However, I think we can all agree that the two are not comparable at all.

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