Anton Stralman has mixed emotions about NHL restart

In an interview with The Athletic in early June, Anton Stralman was skeptic about returning to play this season. Now, he expands his thoughts in an interview with Swedish Sportexpressen.

In the interview, Stralman expresses concern about what effect the coronavirus would have on him: "I don't know how this virus infection would affect my lungs if I'm infected, considering the problems I've had during many years. It's those kinds of things I'm thinking about," he said.

Stralman is in Florida by himself right now - the family is staying in Skovde, Sweden. "It is an enormous sacrifice us players are forced to make now when we're leaving our families. The schools have summer vacation and it's a time where you're otherwise enjoying being together with the family. On the other hand, you could say we've just had a couple months off and that there are people that on a regular basis make equally large sacrifices, like military serving abroad and other professions."

Montreal Canadiens' franchise goalie Carey Price recently expressed similar concerns, considering his wife is expecting their third child, and saying he would never forgive himself if he infected them. Stralman seconds Price's thoughts:

"It's good that other players are also taking this seriously and thinking about what's right at this point. He values his family's safety high. One should question it, it shouldn't be obvious. There is a lot to think about when it comes to what you're putting other people through in desperate times, which we are now experiencing. What happens if I get sick in COVID-19 and my lungs never recover? What happens if one of us players infects an employee working in the arena where we're playing? Who carries the responsibility then?"

The NHL has given players who are concerned an "opt-out" option, meaning anyone who does not want to play won't have to without getting punished. Stralman has yet to make a decision whether he will be playing or not: "I'm set on playing, that's why I went over. But it's too early to answer that question. I need to get more information."

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