Kampfer and Trotman Opt-Out
As NHL players across the United States and Canada prepare for training camps to begin on July 13, Boston Bruins’ defenceman Steven Kampfer and Pittsburgh Penguins’ defenceman Zach Trotman made the decision to opt-out of the modified postseason on Saturday.
In addition, the Edmonton Oilers’ Mike Green dropped out of the season due to health concerns for his family. Minnesota Wild Greg Pateryn is unable to play due to an upper-body injury. All NHL players can opt-out without a penalty until Monday.
Steven Kampfer
In a tweet, Kampfer announced that he will be skipping the postseason qualifiers as both his wife and son have a congenital defect that puts them higher risk if they are infected with COVID-19.
— Steven Kampfer (@SteveKampfer47) July 11, 2020
“After speaking with my wife, family and my agent I have decided that I am opting out of the return to play,” Kampfer wrote. “This was one of the hardest decisions I’ve ever had to make.”
Kampfer, who was most likely going to be a depth player, only played in 10 of the Bruins’ 70 games this season and had two assists.
Zach Trotman
Penguins general manager Jim Rutherford, did not disclose why Trotman was ruled out for postseason competition. However, Trotman has asthma, which can lead to more severe COVID-19 symptoms and effects if infected. In addition, his wife is expecting a child.
“It’s something he’s trying to work through that could flare up when we get into the bubble,” Rutherford said. “We didn’t want to take that chance.”
Trotman, a Black Ace, split his season between the AHL and the NHL. He played eight scoreless games for the Penguins and 27 in the AHL. Earlier in the season, Trotman sat out after he had a core muscle surgery, but had been in Pittsburgh working out since June to prepare for the restarted season he no longer will participate in.
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