Updated list of NHL players who have opted out of the Stanley Cup Playoffs

Here’s an updated list of all the NHL players who have decided to opt-out of the Stanley Cup Playoffs.

The 2020 Stanley Cup Playoffs are set to get underway on July 1. However, not every player from the playoff teams will be participating. Due to various concerns, several players have elected to opt-out of the postseason.

This is something the players wanted in the return to play protocols. They are well within their rights to opt-out of the playoffs. Let’s take a look at which players have decided it’s best for them to not play. Players are allowed to opt-out until Monday, July 13.

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Travis Hamonic

The Calgary Flames defenseman became the first NHL player to opt-out. His decision was announced almost immediately after the RTP protocols and CBA extension were agreed upon.

Hamonic’s decision is like an onion – it has several layers. First of all, though he didn’t explicitly said in his statement, it wouldn’t be surprising if his upcoming free agency didn’t play a role in his decision. If Hamonic came back after several months of not playing and got injured, that would obviously hurt his next contract.

However, the biggest factor in his decision is his family. Hamonic is a guy who cares a lot about his family. Back when he was with the New York Islanders, he wanted to be traded to a Canadian team so he could be closer to his family. Recently, Hamonic’s daughter had a bout with a serious respiratory illness that nearly killed her.

I’m not a father, but recently, my brother and his wife had a baby. Though I’m merely the baby’s uncle, I’d do everything I could to ensure his health. I completely understand Hamonic’s concerns and he’s a wise man for making the right decision.

Sven Baertschi

The Vancouver Canucks will be without forward Sven Baertschi for the duration of the Stanley Cup Playoffs. This report is from Rick Dhaliwal and was confirmed by Sportsnet’s Elliotte Friedman. He has not yet given a reason for his decision, nor does he owe anybody an explanation. Baertschi will be replaced on the Canucks roster by prospect Kole Lind.

Roman Polak

Dallas Stars defenseman Roman Polak will not be returning to the team. He’s not listed on the Stars’ roster and has signed in Europe.

Mike Green

The Edmonton Oilers defenseman wouldn’t be rejoining the team.

Steven Kampfer

Karl Alzner

The Montreal Canadiens defenseman will not be joining the Habs. He was going to be a part of their larger group, but likely wasn’t going to play.

Zach Trotman

Pittsburgh Penguins GM Jim Rutherford declined to go into specifics but said defenseman Zach Trotman will not be traveling to Toronto with the team.

Mikhail Vorobyev and Nikolay Goldobin

After signing a deal in the KHL, Philadelphia Flyers forward Mikhail Vorobyev will not be joining his team in Toronto. Neither will Vancouver Canucks forward Nikolay Goldobin, who also signed a KHL deal earlier.

As more names come in, this post will be updated. It is updated as of 10:53 a.m. EST on Sunday, July 12.