Any player could choose not to participate in Phase 3 (training camp) and Phase 4 (resumption of play) without discipline or penalty, based on the terms of an agreement between the NHL and NHL Players' Association.
Hamonic scored 12 points (three goals, nine assists) in 50 games for the Calgary Flames. This was his 10th NHL season, third with Calgary, after being acquired in a trade with the New York Islanders on June 24, 2017. The 29-year-old defenseman said he had family concerns that led to his decision.
"Due to what my daughter already has gone through (a respiratory virus as an infant) and the concerns if she were to catch COVID-19, I've decided to opt out and seek a leave of absence from the Calgary Flames for the remainder of the playoffs," he said. "I wish I could lace up my skates and be out there battling, blocking a shot and helping the team win, but my family has and always will come first."
Calgary will play the Winnipeg Jets in a best-of-5 Stanley Cup Qualifier series. The eight series and round-robin begin Aug. 1.
Green was traded to the Edmonton Oilers by the Detroit Red Wings on Feb. 23 and played two games for Edmonton before the defenseman injured his knee. The 34-year-old scored 11 points (three goals, eight assists) in 50 games this season.
Edmonton will play the Chicago Blackhawks in a qualifier series.
"Due to the uncertainties surrounding COVID-19 and after much consideration, I've decided for deeply personal family health reasons, not to participate in the return to play," Green said. "This has been a hard decision knowing I'm going to miss the opportunity to compete in the playoffs with a Stanley Cup contender. I wish the best of luck to the guys and I appreciate the Edmonton Oilers' support."
Polak had four assists in 41 games as a defenseman with the Dallas Stars this season, the 34-year-old's second with them.
"I understand where Roman is coming from, and he and his family don't think it's the best decision (to return)," Stars general manager Jim Nill told The Athletic on July 2. "When someone is making the best decision for their family, you can't question that."
Dallas is part of the Western Conference round-robin to determine seeding for the Stanley Cup Playoffs.
Kampfer, a Boston Bruins defenseman, had two assists in 10 games this season.
The 31-year-old said his wife and son have a congenital heart defect that can cause complications with COVID-19.
"This was one of the hardest decisions I've ever had to make," Kampfer wrote on Twitter. "... We have taken this very seriously. Family will always be my priority. I will be rooting for my teammates and hope we can bring the Cup back to Boston!"
Boston is part of the Eastern Conference round-robin.
Baertschi had two assists in six games with the Vancouver Canucks this season having last played in the NHL on Nov. 19. The 27-year-old forward scored 46 points (13 goals, 33 assists) in 43 games with Utica of the American Hockey League.
"It was a difficult decision but ultimately one we respect and understand," Canucks general manager Jim Benning said. "We have added Kole Lind to our Return to Play roster and will continue to focus on preparation for camp."
Vancouver will play the Minnesota Wild in a qualifier series.
Alzner, a Montreal Canadiens defenseman, played four NHL games this season. The 31-year-old has played 13 NHL games the past two seasons after playing every game the previous eight seasons, seven with the Washington Capitals (622 games).
"After much consideration, I am opting out of the return to play for the health and safety of me and my family," Alzner said in a statement, according to Sportsnet. "I'm hoping everyone stays safe during this time. I'm very appreciative to have support from all of my current and former teammates."
Montreal will play the Pittsburgh Penguins in a qualifier series.
Training camps opened in the teams' local markets on July 13.
The Qualifiers will be played in two hub cities under the 24-team Return to Play Plan; the 12 participating Eastern Conference teams will be based in Toronto, and the 12 Western Conference teams in Edmonton. Winners of the eight best-of-5 series will advance to the playoffs, and the losing teams will have a chance at the No. 1 pick in the 2020 NHL Draft in the Second Phase of the NHL Draft Lottery, which will be held Aug. 10.
