Photo: NHL.com
In the midst of the NHL’s pause due to the coronavirus pandemic, Washington Capitals forward Jakub Vrana sent a message to the team’s season ticket holders which was released by the Capitals membership services on Monday afternoon.
“I know it’s been hard not being around my teammates and playing in front of you guys, the best fans in the league that we could ask for. We have to deal with the situation. We have to deal with [it] together. Be strong and I want to wish everyone to be safe and I hope to see everyone soon,” the 24-year-old said.
Vrana was in the midst of a career season, setting career-highs in goals (25), assists (27), and points (52) in 69 game before the league went on pause.
The CDC recommended that no mass gatherings of at least 50 people would be in effect for eight weeks last week. That would mean that the earliest the NHL could return is around May 10, but experts expect the current situation to continue into the summer. The NHLPA and the league have been discussing possible formats for the 2020 Stanley Cup Playoffs and whether or not to resume the regular season when it is safe to play again.
A couple of Ottawa Senators’ players, who are both anonymous, have tested positive for the coronavirus.
By Harrison Brown