Sharks defenceman Erik Karlsson says he's unlikely to go to 2022 Olympics

In his post-practice media availability, San Jose Sharks defenceman Erik Karlsson told reporters that he likely won't be attending the 2022 Winter Olympics in Beijing, China given the current state of COVID-19 and restrictions placed on athletes if they test positive.

"Most of the issues are public knowledge. If that's the way it's going to be, I don't see it being very feasible for guys to take that risk. That's my personal opinion," Karlsson said according to Sheng Peng of SJ Hockey Now.

In terms of the quarantine period for COVID positive players in China, Karlsson went on to add, "Me, having a family, I can't take that risk. There's a lot of other people that probably feel the same way even though I haven't talked to too many guys."

Even though Karlsson hasn't fully committed to not going to Beijing in February, he wouldn't be the first Swedish player to essentially opt out. Last week, Vegas Golden Knights goaltender Robin Lehner announced that he would not be going to the Olympics citing the unknown of potential quarantine if you test positive in China. Since Lehner made that announcement, it's been revealed that the quarantine period could be anywhere from three-to-five weeks in accordance with Chinese law.

The Landsbro, Sweden native has represented his nation once before at the Olympics, that came in 2014 where he had eight points in six games as they took home the silver medal.

Erik Karlsson says, things as they are, that he's most likely won't choose to go to the Olympics— Sheng Peng (@Sheng_Peng) December 15, 2021

Karlsson, on NHL player concerns with going to the Olympics: "Most of the issues are public knowledge. If that's the way it's going to be, I don't see it being very feasible for guys to take that risk. That's my personal opinion."— Sheng Peng (@Sheng_Peng) December 15, 2021

Erik Karlsson, on potential of 3-to-5 week quarantine in China if he tests positive for COVID at Olympics: "Me, having a family, I can't take that risk. There's a lot of other people that probably feel the same way even though I haven't talked to too many guys."— Sheng Peng (@Sheng_Peng) December 15, 2021

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