Olympic opportunities for Eric Staal, Claude Julien could re-open door to NHL

Eric Staal wasn't aiming to take part in his third Olympics.

Claude Julien, meanwhile, agreed to coach Canada at two December tournaments simply to get back behind the bench.

The COVID-19 pandemic has, of course, closed plenty of doors.

But for Staal and Julien, it's opened another wide open — and there's a chance it could eventually lead both men back to the NHL.

The decorated duo is set to lead Canada's Olympic men's hockey team at the upcoming Beijing Games after the NHL withdrew from the tournament last month because of coronavirus concerns.

And while fans are disappointed the likes of Sidney Crosby, Connor McDavid, Auston Matthews and Alex Ovechkin won't be heading to China to battle for gold, players and coaches like Staal and Julien have an opportunity they surely didn't think was realistic a few months ago.

"The idea and the goal was initially to get back in the NHL," said the 37-year-old Staal, who had been skating on his own before suiting up for a string of games with the AHL's Iowa Wild earlier this month after Hockey Canada came calling.

"Funny how things work, and how things work out."

WATCH | Breaking down Canada's roster:

Another NHL shot might very well be in the cards for Staal — and veteran of 1,376 NHL games, a Stanley Cup champion, and the likely captain of a Canadian squad featuring a number of young players — with a good Olympic showing.

"This opportunity was something that is too good to pass up," he added.

Fired by the Montreal Canadiens for a second time last February, Julien will also have a lot of eyes on him as the country looks to medal for a second straight non-NHL Olympics following its bronze four years ago in Pyeongchang.

"Being given that opportunity is outstanding," said the