Dallas Stars will most likely be one man short once the 2019/20 NHL season resumes. Stars’ defenseman Roman Polak recently told the media in his native Czech Republic that he doesn’t want to return to the NHL and finish the season.
Polak left the United States when the NHL decided to suspend its activities due to the coronavirus pandemic. The 34-year-old defenseman agreed to a deal with the Czech side HC Vitkovice in the meantime and now doesn’t want to return.
“I am determined to stay at home. If I really had to finish [the season], I’d go. However, I will do everything I can to avoid it,” Polak told iSport according to ESPN.
It appears that Polak might get his wish, as Stars general manager Jim Nill hinted that he wouldn’t force the player to play if he doesn’t want.
“We can’t make someone come back under their wishes,” Nill told Dallas News when asked about Polak’s comments. “If anyone wants to stay home, that is their decision. His contract expires at the end of this season, so no issues there.”
Polak played 41 games with Stars so far in the season and contributed with four assists while spending 16:40 on ice on average. He is in the final year of his contract.
