Canucks' Green thankful he can return after COVID-19 scare

Vancouver Canucks head coach Travis Green is grateful he's healthy enough to return behind the bench after battling COVID-19.

"There's been a lot of people that have gone through a lot and are coming back to play, and I wanted to make sure that I was there," Green told Sportsnet's Iain MacIntyre. "If I didn't feel like I could do it, though, I wouldn't do it.

"There was a time, probably just a couple of days ago, where I really didn't believe I would be. I'm thankful that I've been able to come and be at the rink the last few days and get on the ice today and it will be good to coach tomorrow."

Green was one of 24 people in the Canucks organization to contract the virus. The club hasn't played since March 24, and its initial return date was pushed back after forward J.T. Miller openly said the players weren't ready.

"I think it has been real important that we've had the extra days of practice for our team," Green said. "Obviously, they've gone through a lot in the last few weeks. But I think they've needed (more time) physically ... but maybe more importantly mentally.

"Just to get through a few more days and feel good about themselves and get through a practice where you're not struggling to get through practice, I think that's been vital for our group."

The Canucks return to the ice Sunday versus the Toronto Maple Leafs. Vancouver currently sits sixth in the North Division with 35 points through 37 contests. The plan is for the team to play all of its 56-game schedule.

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