WATCH – Brandon Sutter releases positive update on making NHL debut after long battle with COVID

Brandon Sutter gives positive output on his NHL debut since he contracted COVID-19 and has been out of icy floors for the past two seasons.

<strong>WATCH – Brandon Sutter releases positive update on making NHL debut after long battle with COVID</strong>

Brandon Sutter [image Credit: Twitter - Vancouver Canucks]

Forward Brandon Sutter is hopeful to make his NHL debut soon, though he states he’s a long way to becoming his 100%. Since the pandemic outbreak, many Vancouver Canucks players and prospects contracted the virus. The worst was of Brandon Sutter whose long-lasting COVID-19 battle is still far from over. 

On April 2021, Sutter tested positive for COVID. Even then, he finished the season successfully and signed a 1-year contract with the Canucks in the summer. Unfortunately, since his signing, he hasn’t been able to wear skates. In a recent interview, he noted his struggle with the virus and how he is hoping to make his NHL debut this year. 

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Though he couldn’t prepare for the 2021-22 season because of deteriorating health, he is optimistic to make his appearance this year. As of now, he has started skating with the junior hockey team and has been practicing regularly. His condition became so serious that the forward had trouble leading a regular life. 

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Brandon Sutter talks about suffering from long-lasting COVID-19 struggles

Brandon Sutter [Image Credit: Daily Hive]
Brandon Sutter [Image Credit: Daily Hive]

According to Sportsnet’s Eric Francis Show, Brandon Sutter reported, “You never know, but I feel like I’m working my way through it and I see light at the end of the tunnel”. “I’m able to work out again, and just do everyday things. 

“… I’ve been skating a couple days a week with the (Red Deer) Rebels. … I can’t quite do the things I want to do, I can’t quite push it to a level I need to, but I’m getting better, and there is definitely hope it will all be behind me by mid-summer. If so, and I’m feeling good, I’ll give it my best chance to go for it.”

Though now a free agent, Sutter has recorded 152 goals in 770 games with 137 assists split between Pittsburgh Penguins, Carolina Hurricanes, and Vancouver Canucks. The 2007 draft pick stated that he wants his children to experience the same thrill as he did during his time with his NHLer father Brent, earlier during his childhood.

“My kids are six, four and one now, and with COVID the last couple years they haven’t been able to be around the rink, so I haven’t had the chance to share hockey with them the way I dreamed I would”.

“I’d kind of like to have them running around the rink like I was when I was a kid. It would be kind of a cool thing… So I would like that one year to give it chance.”

Sutter said that though this was a long-time battle, he is finally seeing some hope. He noted that he’s been in touch with Chicago Blackhawks center Jonathan Toews, who also dealt with long-lasting COVID-19 effects. 

“You’re not alone, but it’s a rare thing”. “Fortunately, no one else close to me, or teammates, had any bad, long-lasting effects. … Unfortunately I did. So, just dealing with them a day at a time. I’ll just see what my body can do.”

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