Patrice Bergeron Admits Developments Round Olympics Are ‘Regarding’

In a great world, most NHL gamers would go to the Olympics. And whereas the NHL is amenable to that, problems are mounting.

COVID-19 outbreaks are making their method by way of a number of NHL groups, and recent reports about COVID-19 pointers appear to be scaring some gamers off — or on the very least giving them pause. Mainly, if a participant exams optimistic whereas in China, they might be topic to a 3-to-5-week quarantine. That may preserve them away from their households and their groups throughout key moments of the season.

So, it’s a double-edged sword. Gamers who need to play on the most important stage, however not essentially on the expense of probably placing their households or workforce in danger.

“Before everything, I feel for me the final two Olympics have been particular occasions and I’ve superb reminiscences of it and it’s one thing I’ll cherish for the remainder of my life,” Bruins captain Patrice Bergeron, who’s a shoo-in for Group Canada, mentioned Tuesday. “That’s one factor, as an athlete you need to compete in opposition to one of the best, and in case you do have that chance, clearly, you need to signify your nation. It’s regarding once you hear in regards to the 3-to-5 week quarantine, having to remain again and keep in China, so I feel there are numerous questions proper now that have to be answered.

“As an athlete, I feel you’re torn, as a result of clearly you need to be there, and as I mentioned, it’s the most important sports activities occasion on the earth. That being mentioned, it’s a special state of affairs and a special yr, you need to be sure you have all of the solutions earlier than you’ll be able to actually reply that query.”

The Bruins may have a number of representatives on the Olympics. Bruce Cassidy is on Canada’s teaching employees, and Bergeron and Brad Marchand are locks to make the workforce. Charlie McAvoy all however actually will get the decision for Group USA, whereas David Pastrnak already has been named to the Czech Republic workforce. There are some extra distant choices, like Linus Ullmark and Jakub Zboril, as effectively.

Chatter about if it’s the best concept to go seems to be ramping up in dressing rooms throughout the league.