NHL Players might be more concerned about returning to play than they’ve let on, according to Sportsnet’s Eric Engels.
In a series of tweets, Engels shines a light on some of the discussions he has had with players, revealing a dichotomous relationship between players and the possibility of returning to play. On the one hand, players are concerned for their safety and frustrated with the lack of transparency and attention being paid to those details in their discussions with NHLPA representatives.
On the other hand, one player suggests that the culture is such in the NHL that no player will choose to opt-out if given the choice. A few NBA players have made the decision to opt-out of the NBA’s return to play, and four MLB players made the decision not to participate in the 2020 season yesterday, citing health concerns. A culture of toughness and grit permeates the hockeysphere, making it considerably more difficult for a player to simply elect to abstain from play – even amid heightened health concerns.
The player culture makes the NHL’s decision about hub cities all the more imperative. Some confusion has surrounded the presumed decision for Vegas to host one play hub, considering Nevada does not appear to be the most prepared environment in terms of containing coronavirus outbreaks. Cases of COVID-19 have been surging in Nevada, peaking with 1,041 new cases on June 27th.
For the NHL, however, Vegas brings a lot to the table when it comes to providing accommodations for players and staff in their quarantine bubbles. Importantly, the final decision has not yet been made, and the NHL has insisted that the five remaining cities are all still very much under consideration.
i dont like the argument about no one wanting to opt out. seems like an excuse to make a choice one way or another for everyone without a consensus.
Don’t worry! Be happy!
I will be surprised if they continue this season, time to call it quits and hope you can play next season.
In spite of Eric Engels’ wording, do not be surprised if a few players do, in fact, opt out. Those with underlying health problems, as well as concerns for their family’s well-being will be voicing their opinions, either to national media or some other format. Two teams voted against this, and the remaining teams had 3/4, 2/3, or simple majority votes in favor of “Return to Play” (they didn’t disclose which to us Barcalounger Bobs).
This may be more telling: link to twitter.com
they should be allowed to opt out, baseball at least got that part right
Look, if the players want to wait until there’s no safety risk from the virus, then they can wait until October 2021 and dip their toes into the ice and see if all is safe. There may not be a league left for them to play in, but all will be safe.
Meanwhile, my lunch break is almost over, so I’ll go back to my not-guaranteed-corona-free work environment and help keep the power running for the players (we ship our products everywhere!) so they can be safe and cozy in their lovely homes. It’s the least a prole like me can do. ;)
@Gbear – You’re mighty optimistic at things being “safe” by October, 2021! Unless a miracle cure comes out of Slobovia (mythical country bordering the other mythical country of Elbownia), we might as well get back to semi-normal for the time being, until the entire continent is brought to its knees by this. The players, however, need accurate and truthful information about the actual health risks they might face.
@Mac – the only way we’ll be brought to our knees is if we let fear do that to us. According to many top medical people, this virus appears to be much like the Hong Kong flu from 1968. Society didn’t shut down over it. In fact, they had a really groovy concert in upstate New York that year. (Other viruses spread there, but that’s another story). :D
But if pro atheletes want to wait for a “cure”, they can do what they wish. But alot of us won’t be showing up for their comeback tour.
Were it only their own safety that they had to be concerned with, hockey’s culture would absolutely win out.
Watch Greg Campbell or Nick Bonino block shots on broken legs, they would risk Covid.
But, killing your mom is a different story. They might be less gung ho about that possibility.
The players will not be living with their families during this playoff format, thus the hub cities. Mom will be fine.