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 means 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. Principally, if a participant assessments constructive whereas in China, they’d be topic to a 3-to-5-week quarantine. That may hold 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 largest stage, however not essentially on the expense of doubtless placing their households or workforce in danger.

“In the beginning, I believe for me the final two Olympics have been particular occasions and I’ve wonderful 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 in opposition to the most effective, and in case you do have that chance, clearly, you need to characterize your nation. It’s regarding once you hear concerning the 3-to-5 week quarantine, having to remain again and keep in China, so I believe there are loads of questions proper now that must 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 largest sports activities occasion on this planet. That being mentioned, it’s a distinct state of affairs and a distinct yr, you need to be sure to have all of the solutions earlier than you’ll be able to actually reply that query.”

The Bruins might 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 Staff 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 properly.

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