The National Hockey League is on hold as the COVID-19 pandemic threatens the conclusion of the 2019-20 season and Stanley Cup Playoffs. The fans are in a state of limbo wondering what the future will hold, but that is also the case with the players, who have been inactive for more than two weeks since the NHL suspended play.
Toronto Maple Leafs captain John Tavares participated in a conference call on Monday with Bruins team captain Zdeno Chara, Detroit’s Dylan Larkin (DET) and Ottawa’s Brady Tkachuk, discussing how they and their teammates are handling the league shut down.
“(We are going through) the same kind of ordeal, just trying to grasp what's going on. The first couple days, (we were) just try(ing) to get an understanding of where things are at and what's kind of hit us. Since then, just try(ing) to develop some type of routine, some type of structure to create some normalcy and just really enjoy spending some time with my son.” Tavares said.
When we're traveling all through the season, you're in and out so quickly, you don't really get to experience that consistency until the offseason. So just having that time to kind of be around them on a daily basis and be able to help out spend time with them has been fantastic, (while) understanding how the circumstances are impacting all of us.”
Tavares and Larkin are currently in Toronto and Detroit, Tkachuk returned to St. Louis to be with his family, while Chara chose to drive to Florida to stay in his summer residence, but all are dealing with the difficulties in staying in shape without the benefit of the club’s exercise facilities and access to the ice.
“My whole plan was just to come on here and pick Zdeno’s brain on what he's been doing,” Tavares quipped about the 43-year-old Chara’s legendary off-season workout regimen. “I’ve got a few dumbbells, kettlebells, few bands, a bike as well to make the most of (the time off) and do the best you can, but also I think with the uncertainty, it's a good time to kind of disconnect and relax as well and kind of slowly build yourself back up as hopefully some positivity comes around the corner and we get some more news down the road.”
The club has been able to stay in contact with each other, depending primarily on social media and video calling during the period of social distancing.
“With what we're dealing with, we are fortunate and in the world, we do live in terms of the social aspect, technology and the ability to stay in touch and communicate with loved ones, but (also) our teammates and staff. (We have) plenty of resources to continue to check-in and stay in touch with everybody, see how everyone's kind of holding up.” Tavares said. “You know we can’t leave each other too long without giving it to one another. I certainly miss being around the guys but definitely a way to stay in tune and interact and see what everyone's up to and how they're kind of deal with all this.”
Each player was asked which of their teammates they would choose to be quarantined and not quarantined with. Tavares was his typical diplomatic self, dodging the answer on who he would avoid, but did say that linemate Mitch Marner and defenseman Justin Holl would be his choices.
“The type of energy they bring around the locker room, how much fun they have every day and their ability to turn any environment into something that anyone would enjoy. They just bring that enthusiasm, not only to the rink, but when we're traveling during all the dead time that we have as players, they are two guys that are a lot of fun to be around.”
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