PHILADELPHIA—Citing the players’ health concerns, Washington Capitals defenceman Radko Gudas said the NHL should cancel the rest of its season.
The season was suspended March 12 because of the coronavirus outbreak, and the league has said it is hopeful of returning. It is reviewing several scenarios, including a format that would have 24 of the 31 teams play in a tournament.
Gudas urged the NHL to bag the season while at a golf tournament in his native Czech Republic.
In an interview aired on a Czech Republic sports channel (CT Sport) and translated into English by hockey blog Russian Machine Never Breaks, Gudas questioned the NHL’s mindset in trying to return.
“If we kept playing, our sport would be swimming against the current a bit,” he said. “Money is money; it’s what currently makes the world go around. It’s a bit sad they are willing to risk the health of so many players for money.”
Reportedly, the league could make as much as $500 million (U.S.) in TV revenue if it returns and holds its playoffs.
Earlier in the week, Gary Bettman, the NHL’s commissioner, said cancelling the season was “not something I’m even contemplating.”
Around the world, hockey has had most of its leagues and tournaments cancelled. The AHL and ECHL have ended their seasonsas have pro leagues in Russia, Sweden and the Czech Republic. The IIHF’s 2020 world championship has been cancelled.
The NHL is contemplating having games return in four cities, with players and their staffs quarantined in hotels.
Staying in a hotel room for the summer, Gudas was quoted as saying, was a “way to end up with depression” and a “step into one’s personal freedom.” He said he was concerned about how quickly the coronavirus would spread among players if someone contracted it.
Get the latest in your inbox
Never miss the latest news from the Star, including up-to-date coronavirus coverage, with our email newsletters