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 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 constructive whereas in China, they’d be topic to a 3-to-5-week quarantine. That might 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 doubtless placing their households or crew in danger.

“Firstly, I believe 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 Staff Canada, mentioned Tuesday. “That’s one factor, as an athlete you need to compete towards the perfect, and when you do have that chance, clearly, you need to symbolize your nation. It’s regarding while you hear concerning the 3-to-5 week quarantine, having to remain again and keep in China, so I believe there are numerous questions proper now that have to be answered.

“As an athlete, I believe 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 this planet. That being mentioned, it’s a special state of affairs and a special 12 months, you need to be sure to have all of the solutions earlier than you possibly can actually reply that query.”

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

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