Yesterday, Dallas Stars fans woke up to the news that defender Roman Polak has decided to stay home permanently. The 14-year NHL veteran has signed a three-year deal to play in the Czech Extraliga — and even though the contract technically requires him to finish his NHL season with the Stars, GM Jim Nill has promised to honor Polak’s wish to remain in his home country.
Polak himself says the impetus to play NHL hockey just isn’t there anymore. The Athletic’s Sean Shapiro has posted a new piece on the latest developments, with Polak’s quotes, originally in Czech, translated by journalist Jiri Vitek:
“When Stephen Johns started playing again after a two-year break caused by concussions, they gave him big ice time,” Polak said.