Calgary Flames’ General Manager Brad Treliving released the following statement this evening regarding defenseman Travis Hamonic.
FROM FLAMES MEDIA RELEASE
“Earlier this evening Travis called me to inform us that he has decided to opt out of the NHL Return to Play Program. Travis explained that due to family considerations, he has made the difficult decision not to participate in the Stanley Cup Qualifier and Playoffs.
“While we will miss Travis in our line-up, we understand and respect his decision. Our focus remains on preparation for training camp and our upcoming series in the NHL Qualifying Round.”
Players have until Monday to officially opt out.
This goes without saying but I will say it anyway: any player opting out of the tournament should not be second-guessed. These are uncertain times. Nobody has all the facts. Respect everyone’s decision on this.
— Pierre LeBrun (@PierreVLeBrun) July 11, 2020
Earlier on Friday, after the NHL and players’ association agreed on the protocols on phases three and four of the league’s return-to-play plan, the round-robin and qualifying round schedules were released. The Washington Capitals will face the Tampa Bay Lightning in their round-robin opener on Monday, August 3.
