We all know how badly Marc-Edouard Vlasic wants to go to the Olympics, but it turns out he was considering getting arrested over the issue.
As told to Ross McKeon of SF Gate, Vlasic said he eventually ended up on a conference call with his lawyers and the NHLPA, where he was told if he insisted on going to the Olympics, he could face a termination of his eight-year contract extension, a lawsuit against him and the San Jose Sharks, and a court order prohibiting his attendance that, if violated, would result in his arrest.
“I don’t think it would have gone that far, but it’s a possibility,” said Vlasic, who noted his initial thought when the league made its decision was to go no matter what.
Gotta give the Pickle dude his due respect here. He pushed this issue to the absolute limit and only stopped when it meant he likely wouldn’t play hockey again.
Read more about it, as well as additional Sharks news and notes below:
- With NHL players out of the Olympics, Sharks’ Vlasic feeling left out | SF Gate
Vlasic continued to strenuously plead his case until his lawyers sat him down for a chat. According to Vlasic, he was told that he risked termination of his eight-year, $56 million contract extension, would have to defy a court order and — if he ended up skating for Canada — possibly be subject to arrest. - Inside the Cage: Replacing Thornton’s Production
The San Jose Sharks look to their balanced lineup to replace the production of injured Joe Thornton until he returns. - Report: Sharks ‘seeing What’s Out There’ in Wake of Thornton Injury – NBC Bay Area
With Joe Thornton out of the lineup for an extended period of time, the Sharks are reportedly dipping their fins in the trade deadline waters. - Sharks Beginning to Answer Major ‘what If’ – NBC Bay Area
In the offseason, the Sharks came close to looking at a future without both Patrick Marleau and Joe Thornton. That’s now become a reality. - The Sharks losing streak reaches a season-high four games
The Sharks are 0-3 since Joe Thornton suffered a right-knee injury. - 3 things we learned in the NHL: Nolan Patrick makes promotion count – Sportsnet.ca
Offence was tough to come by between the Detroit Red Wings and San Jose Sharks, but the game drew plenty of interest from scouts around the league./
And as for around the league:
- NHL – Bettman 25: The good, bad and ugly of Gary Bettman’s 25-year NHL’s tenure
When he was hired as the NHL’s first commissioner on Feb. 1, 1993, Gary Bettman said “we have a great product that’s underappreciated.” Has that changed in the quarter-century since? Here are the highlights and lowlights of hockey’s head honcho’s tenure. - Today’s NHL almost unrecognizable to the one Bettman inherited – Sportsnet.ca
Over the past 25 years there have been great successes and growth and a fair share of awkward moments in Gary Bettman’s NHL. Not unlike the day he was hired. - Bettman’s NHL has grown, sure, but the progress has been painful | Toronto Star
The commissioner has won plenty of battles over his 25 years, but the opportunity has been there to do so much more. - Kelly Hrudey chats with M&G about Mental Health – Matchsticks and Gasoline
NHL goaltender turn broadcaster (HNIC, FlamesTV) is well known for his positively good nature - Mike Fisher exits retirement to return to Nashville Predators’ roster – SBNation.com
Fisher has returned to the Predators’ roster on a reported one-year deal after retiring in August. - The Last Nordique – Eyes On The Prize
The story of the final active player whose pro hockey roots can be traced to the Quebec Nordiques. - Carolina Hurricanes ticket promotions drawing fans to PNC Arena – Canes Country
Canes VP of ticket sales Sara Daniel tells Canes Country how the recent ticket promotions have performed, and why they’re the tip of the iceberg for an organization rolling out new ideas at a breakneck pace. - Tampa Bay Lightning Acquire Goaltender Edward Pasquale from Edmonton Oilers – Raw Charge
…In what seems to be a depth move for AHL Syracuse while Louis Domingue is with the Lightning. - How the Predators addressed their biggest problem from the 2017 Stanley Cup Final – SBNation.com
A year after being totally outmatched up the middle by Pittsburgh, Nashville has worked to avoid the same fate. - Erik Gudbranson trade rumors: Canucks want to re-sign veteran, but why? – SBNation.com
Re-signing the defenseman rather than trading him for long-term assets would be a questionable decision by Vancouver. - The Trade Grass is Always Greener: Potential Destinations and Reasonable Expectations for a Mike Green Trade – Winging It In Motown
The Red Wings are almost certain to trade Mike Green at the deadline. Peter and Mike B look at what fans can reasonably expect and what teams might come calling. - Team USA men’s hockey captain talks 2018 Olympic prep | SI.com
Team USA’s men’s hockey captain talks about his 2006 Olympic experience and his preparation for 2018./