…that is the question on many NHL players’ minds right now, when it comes to deciding whether to take up their spot on the Olympics rosters of their home countries (if selected of course).

But what would a potential positive COVID result mean for the fans, for their NHL clubs, for their mental health, and for their bank balance?

On this episode of NHL Fans From Afar, Clare & Jolon debate:

Are players selfish if they want to go play in the Olympics?

With more postponements and players entering COVID protocol across America & Canada, is it time for the NHL to bring back the taxi squad?

Vancouver Canucks kick up the arse clearly worked… ! But how? Could they turn it around and still bag a playoff spot?

Presented by Clare Freeman and Jolon Kemp Walker. 

Produced by ASFB Productions.

Tweet us @NHLFansFromAfar

If you had to describe what you can and can't do someone in the NHL... I wonder how long it would take to get to saying... "oh yeah, you can't bite an opponent!" Anyway, this week that's exactly what happened and it's on our list of things to talk about.

Montreal have fired their longstanding GM and we look at what's next for a team which were only a few games away from lifting the cup last season.

Some big names have found themselves on the waiver wire and heading to the AHL including a two time Stanley Cup winning goaltender.

Plus as both our hosts teams are currently on winning streaks, there was a bit of Dallas Stars and Maple Leaf chat for good measure too.

Your hosts this week are Jolon Kemp Walker and Matt Day.

First period: Jack Eichel (finally) moves to Vegas Golden Knights and gets his surgery, but what next for his old NHL club - Buffalo Sabres?

Second period: Covid-19 strikes again. Ottawa Senators get some ice time relief.

Third period: Trouble with Seattle settling in? Meanwhile, LA Kings and Anaheim Ducks are surprisingly on the up.

Presented by Clare Freeman and Craig Jones. Produced by ASFB Productions.

This episode, we pay huge respect to the player Kyle Beach, who has almost single-handedly challenged an entire institution to do better, and to be better in dealing with instances of sexual abuse reporting.

This week a major investigation revealed there HAD been a systemic failure in how the Chicago Blackhawks handled Kyle’s abuse in 2010, and since it was published - many of the Stanley Cup winning management from that time have resigned and been challenged on how on earth they could have let down a young player so badly.

During this NHL Fans From Afar, we look back at the past, the present and potential future impact this story is likely to have in the sport of ice hockey. Not just in Chicago - but in the players union, the league and in the business of life.

We will add if you are upset or triggered by us talking about sexual abuse, please pause or skip this episode if need be. And of course - like Kyle - we will always encourage you to reach out for help if you’re affected by this subject. The Samaritans are brilliant - reach out to them via phone on 116123 or samaritans.org for support.

Presented by Clare Freeman, Jolon Kemp Walker & Craig Jones. Produced by ASFB Productions.

Seattle Kraken make their debut, plenty of first-time NHL goals ticked off for rookies across the league and electric to hear fans back in the building!

Episode title courtesy of Edmonton Oilers’ Leon Draisaitl, commenting on Connor McDavid practicing his one-timers.

Also, we all wanna drive a Zamboni now that Brady Tkachuk AND Cam Atkinson’s grandma did…

Kudos to Patrik Laine for his pre-game fashion too. Ovechkin’s tinted visor is so old skool now.

On this episode of NHL Fans From Afar - 

1st period: Week One of the 2020/21 Season - what do we know so far? Shutouts, shootouts & milestones!

2nd period: Evander Kane fakes vaccination card & is suspended, what’s his future like with the San Jose Sharks? Plus wider look at the impact unvaccinated players & positive tests are having on the league already.

3rd period: Suspensions, weirdness & bizarre penalties. Including a head butt, a kick goal and bench minor for stopping the puck going to the crowd.

OT: as teams relax pre-game dress code, Clare wants to see MORE personality.

Support an NHL team and live outside of North America too? Come join us on twitter @nhlfansfromafar or email us nhlfansfromafar@gmail.com New NFFA episodes out fortnightly. Presented by Clare Freeman, Matt Day and Craig Jones. Produced by ASFB Productions.

Hey up, we’re back for a fourth season! And this time there’s four of us: Clare Freeman (Toronto Maple Leafs fan), Jolon Kemp Walker (Toronto Maple Leafs fan), Matt Day (Dallas Stars fan) & fresh in from Covering the Puck Pod, Craig Jones (Colorado Avalanches fan)!

On this ep of NHL Fans From Afar -

1st period: Off-season recap, if you’ve been on a desert island for the last few months, what do you need to know?

2nd period: Who the F are the Seattle Kraken?

3d period: Dipping our toe into the murky waters behind Robin Lehner’s tweets and Jack Eichel’s situation with Buffalo Sabres.

Overtime: Craig asks why is there still no UK TV deal in place with just a week until the season starts?

Support an NHL team and live outside of North America too? Come join us on twitter @nhlfansfromafar or email us nhlfansfromafar@gmail.com

Could the secret to winning the 2021 Stanley Cup be in having a good rear end?

It's nothing new that great goaltending has always been key in keeping an NHL team's silverware hopes alive, but it seems that both New York Islanders and Vegas Golden Knights are keeping up their success with some impressive stats and scoring opportunities from their defensemen...

We pick about the painful end of seasons for Colorado Avalanche and Boston Bruins. Plus, are all Canadians pinning their validity of the North Division on the Canadiens?!

And two new coaches - one for Columbus Blue Jackets and New York Rangers. Control wise, what should we expect of the upcoming off season?

Presented by Clare Freeman and Jolon Kemp Walker. Produced by ASFB Productions.

Bruce Cassidy gets his knickers in a twist after a tumultuous game 5 between Boston Bruins and the New York "Saints", sorry - he meant Islanders...

It looks like Colorado Avalanche and Vegas Golden Knights are going to go the full hog in their series...

Could Tampa Bay Lightning shutdown Carolina Hurricanes in game 5 or 6?

And say what.... Montreal Canadiens SWEEP Winnipeg Jets and take a 7 game winning streak in the NHL Stanley Cup Playoffs....

Contains conversions about boa constrictors and continued misery for Toronto Maple Leafs' fans. We're still bitter, sorry.

NHL Fans From Afar is presented by Clare Freeman and Jolon Kemp Walker. Produced by ASFB Productions.