RECHERCHE


Zach Trotman opts out of playoffs

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TJ Tucker
July 11, 2020  (4:07 PM)
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Defenceman Zach Trotman will not be suiting up for the Pittsburgh Penguins in the NHL's 24-team Return to Play format. Pens' GM Jim Rutherford informed the media Saturday that the 29-year-old would have been added to Pittsburgh's roster for the tournament, but he decided to opt out. Rutherford offered no specific reason as to why Trotman came to that decision.

Trotman, a round seven draft pick of the Boston Bruins in 2010, has spent the majority of his career in the AHL. He's played 91 games in the NHL, mostly with the Bruins, including eight with Pittsburgh this season. He failed to record any points. While his decision may not be a big loss for Pittsburgh, it could be felt later on if injuries start to pile up, as they did for the Penguins earlier this season.

Trotman is now the third player to opt out of participating in the NHL's plan to resume the 2019-20 season. Calgary's Travis Hamonic will not be playing citing "family considerations", while Sven Beartschi of the Vancouver Canucks has also opted out. As with Trotman, no specific reason was given.

Training camps are slated to open on July 13th with the qualifying round beginning on August 1st. The Penguins will face the Montreal Canadiens in the opening round.