Leafs mailbag: We talk Omicron, Olympics and that outstanding appeal – Toronto Star

COVID, postponed games, Omicron, Olympics, variants, positive tests, rapid tests, social distancing, masking.

Life really does have a 2020 feel to it these days.

It felt like we all emerged from a deep hole at some point in 2021. It was a different point for all of us. But fans at games did it for me. Travelling, a bit too, though with an N95 mask on airplanes. Dinners out, though with my double-vaxxed QR code at hand.

So, no, not normal. But closer to it than we were.

Now if feels like were moving backward, through no fault of our own. This is how pandemics play out, they tell us. They come in waves, each different from the last.

Heres hoping this is the version of the virus that is less deadly. And heres hoping the next variant, then, is even less deadlier. And so on and so on.

To the mailbag, where we deal with COVID, postponed games, the Olympics, but start off with Jason Spezza and Nick Ritchie.

As always, if you have a question, email me at askkevinmcgran@gmail.com and Ill answer it in the next mailbag.

Hi Kevin. Would you like to comment more on the Jason Spezza suspension and appeal? In your 13 Musings this week, you indicated that his appeal was set for that day but I havent been able to find any ruling tweeted out by the NHL department of player safety. Everyone is talking about the fact that Spezzas six-game suspension will likely be over by the time an appeal is finally held. Shouldnt this be completely unacceptable to the commissioner, the NHLPA and hockey fans everywhere? Thank you and take care. Janis J-W

The appeal was heard Tuesday, as scheduled. The commissioner hasnt ruled as of Thursday night. Its not ideal to take this long. Saturdays game in Vancouver should have been the sixth and final game of the suspension but, with Thursdays game in Calgary postponed, Sundays game in Seattle is the end. Unless Gary Bettman rules in Spezzas favour between the time I write these words and you read them, I doubt he will. Spezza has the right to take it to an independent arbitrator after Bettmans decision. Normally Id be piling on the commissioner, but he has far bigger fish to fry at the moment with COVID clusters throughout the league. Still, thats unfair to Spezza. Maybe thats reason enough for the commissioner not to have this particular arbitration power. Lets get it to the independent arbitrator sooner.

Hey Kevin. Like Mitch Marner, I think Nick Ritchie is getting way too much criticism for his lack of goal scoring. Hes on a pace for three goals this season. I dont have a problem with that. He was brought here primarily for his physicality. Auston Matthews, Marner, John Tavares and others need a player like Ritchie to protect them and give them the space they need to generate offence. But its here that I have an issue with Ritchie. He hasnt been that guy. We were all hoping that he would be the reincarnation of Dave Semenko. When Matthews was rag-dolled by Pierre-Luc Dubois, where was Ritchie? I dont care if last nights goal is his one and only this season. His defence is OK and he will get the puck and generate assists. I want to see his him stand up for his teammates or treat other teams superstars the way they treat ours. Bob T

Im not sure Ritchie is the guy you want him to be. His game is physical. Hell get into it, but hes not an enforcer. Like you, I think hes taken far too much criticism. He has been doing all sorts of good things in front of the net to create space, create chaos and create scoring chances. His checks are pretty heavy. Hes an imposing body.

Hi Kevin. For a thousand good reasons, I hope the NHLPA pulls the plug on the Beijing Olympics. If they do, will the NHL schedule be updated so that there is not a three-week gap in play? Andrea, Mississauga

I believe the schedule will remain the schedule whether NHLers go to the Olympics or not. The only thing is the break could be the cushion the league needs to reschedule games postponed due to COVID. That, of course, depends on arena availabilities but I gather that would be the plan.

Hi Kevin. If you were a player, would you play in the Olympics? I cant see the potential of losing money being a factor if a player has to stay behind and quarantine. While still a substantial amount of money lost, its not really going to affect the lives of these players considering how much they make. But the thought of a player (or a few players on the same team) missing an extra couple of weeks could potentially derail a potential Stanley Cup contender. To me, that seems to be a bigger thing to consider. What if The Star said, Hey, Kevin, want to cover the Olympic hockey games? Would you go? Todd C

I would go. No questions asked. Im all about experiencing the experiences life has to offer.

Hi Kevin. We all know that the NHL owners arent big on competing in the Olympics, at least when they take place in a Far East time zone. And if I was a player, I wouldnt be too eager to go some place where a failed COVID test could have me spending a few weeks cut off from the world in the Two Michaels wing of the Olympic Village. Time for the NHL and NHLPA to take a stand by standing down on Beijing. Im all for the rest of our athletes going, as long as its accompanied by a diplomatic boycott. Cross-country skiers and speedskaters shouldnt have to bear the brunt of a boycott, but Im hoping highly paid pros would be happy to say Hell no, I wont go. Now if only Coca-Cola and various sponsors would do the right thing. We can always dream, right? Allan H

I think some of the players are less eager all the time. But Ill be honest, I dont understand any talk of any boycott. I mean, why should athletes pay the price? If were serious about making some kind of stand because we find Chinese politics unpalatable, then why not cut off trade? Boycotts at Olympics hurt only the athletes and dont contribute at all to political change in the host country. Theyre just political showmanship. If youre really upset about Chinese policies, dont buy anything made in China.

So the GM, a lover of small, quick, tricky players, has seen the light (somewhat) and added some toughness to an otherwise smallish but skilled group. Good to see. If the coach can light a fire under Nick Ritchies rear and Kyle Clifford can pound his opponents head rather than the helmet, perhaps we can anticipate a better playoff result. The underweight but game Wayne Simmonds cant fight everyones battles. They need another tough defenceman and/or forward, but Kyle Dubass epiphany may augur well for the future. Its taken long enough for him to realize that his vision of small and quick wont work. Hs departure would be fine with me! Carlos H

The source of your optimism is very interesting. But the Leafs are a tougher team than theyre given credit for.

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Leafs mailbag: We talk Omicron, Olympics and that outstanding appeal - Toronto Star