Sports

Bruins D Steven Kampfer opts out of NHL restart

By David Souza

Steven Kampfer Boston Bruins defenseman Steven Kampfer (44) during the first period of an NHL hockey game, Tuesday, Dec. 31, 2019, in Newark, N.J. (AP Photo/Kathy Willens) (Kathy Willens/AP)

By David Souza

BOSTON — Boston Bruins defenseman Steven Kampfer announced Saturday night that he will not be participating in the NHL’s upcoming playoffs, citing family health concerns.

Both Kampfer’s son and wife have congenital heart defects, the defenseman said, before adding that COVID-19 could cause complications to their health situations.

Related: NHL, players approve plan to resume season, extend CBA

Kampfer, who is in his eighth season in the NHL and his fourth with Boston, posted a message to his Twitter page explaining the decision.

The 31-year-old appeared in 10 games for Boston this season, netting two assists. He is the first Bruin to opt-out of the upcoming Stanley Cup Playoffs, which are slated to begin in August when the NHL resumes.

The Bruins published their return to play roster minutes before Kampfer’s announcement. Kampfer’s name was not on that roster.

Cox Media Group

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