Los Angeles Kings defenceman Slava Voynov (R) celebrates his first period goal against the Chicago Blackhawks with teammates Kyle Clifford (obscured) and Colin Fraser (24) during Game 4 of the NHL Western Conference final playoff in Los Angeles, California, June 6, 2013.DANNY MOLOSHOK/Reuters
Defenceman Slava Voynov agreed to a new six-year, $25 million contract Tuesday with the Los Angeles Kings, who signed yet another young cornerstone to a long-term deal.
The 23-year-old Siberian would have been a restricted free agent this summer after his breakout playoff performance for the Kings, whose Stanley Cup title defence ended in the Western Conference finals against Chicago.
Voynov cemented his reputation as one of the NHL's top young puck-moving defencemen with 13 points during the post-season, tying for the club scoring lead. He set single-season franchise records with six playoff goals by a defenceman and four game-winning goals.
Voynov also set career highs with 19 assists and 25 points during the lockout-shortened regular season, his first full NHL campaign. Last summer, the former second-round pick played in every post-season game during the Kings' run to their first NHL title after bouncing between the AHL and Los Angeles during the regular season.
Voynov becomes the latest part of the core of young players already signed to long-term deals by general manager Dean Lombardi while growing into significant roles with the Kings.
Drew Doughty, the Kings' 23-year-old defenceman and former Norris Trophy finalist, is signed through the 2018-19 season. Goalie Jonathan Quick's 10-year, $58 million contract extension kicks in this fall, while forwards Anze Kopitar, Mike Richards and Jeff Carter are under lengthy multiyear contracts.
Lombardi also signed veteran defenceman Robyn Regehr to a two-year deal during the post-season, solidifying his defence in case unrestricted free agent Rob Scuderi leaves this summer.
Defenceman Jake Muzzin, who won a regular NHL job this season, is among the Kings' remaining restricted free agents. The group also includes defencemen Alec Martinez and Keaton Ellerby; forwards Kyle Clifford, Trevor Lewis and Jordan Nolan; and backup goalie Jonathan Bernier.