Seven NHL players have opted out of playing, more expected today

Updated:

The first player to opt out of returning to play was Travis Hamonic of the Calgary Flames on Friday night. Yesterday, he was joined by six other players including Edmonton Oilers trade deadline acquisition, Mike Green.

In a statement Green released via the Oilers he said, “Due to the uncertainties surrounding COVID-19 and after much consideration, I’ve decided for deeply personal family health reasons, not to participate in the return to play.”

More NHL players expected to opt out

NHL players opting out (Mark Humphrey/CP/AP)

Also joining Hamonic and Green, who were the two most prominent names are depth/bench players. There are more expected, although some teams like the New York Islanders, and Tampa Bay Lightning have told reporters they don’t anticipate any.

We reported yesterday that the Rangers do not expect any current player already in NY to opt out either. The deadline to inform teams you are opting out is Monday at 5 PM Eastern time.

Did Lias Andersson opt out?

One Ranger who could be considered an opt out is prospect, Lias Andersson. Earlier last month, he turned down an invitation to join the team for training camp. Andersson likely considered the dangers in the U.S. with spiking COVID-19 cases, but the decision was probably based on his trade demands and subsequent leaving the organization earlier this season.

We will have more throughout the day as names are revealed.

By Anthony Scultore

Anthony Scultore has been covering the New York Rangers and the NHL since 2014. His work also appears at... More about Anthony Scultore

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