Patrice Bergeron Admits Developments Round Olympics Are ‘Regarding’

In a perfect 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 approach by means 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 checks constructive whereas in China, they might be topic to a 3-to-5-week quarantine. That may maintain 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.

“Before everything, I feel 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 Workforce Canada, mentioned Tuesday. “That’s one factor, as an athlete you need to compete in opposition to the very best, and if you happen to do have that chance, clearly, you need to signify 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 feel there are a variety of questions proper now that must 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 largest sports activities occasion on the earth. That being mentioned, it’s a unique scenario and a unique yr, you need to be sure you 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 workforce. Charlie McAvoy all however definitely will get the decision for Workforce 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 nicely.

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