Jets' Enstrom bows out of Olympics to focus on playoff push
Winnipeg Jet Tobias Enstrom won't play for Sweden at Sochi, citing other priorities
It's every professional hockey player's dream to represent their country at the Olympic Games.
That is, unless you're Winnipeg Jets defenceman Tobias Enstrom. Earlier this week, rumours surfaced the 28 year old would not be making the trip to Sochi in February with his fellow countrymen.
He took time after a Winnipeg Jets practice on Thursday to clear up any confusion surrounding his decision.
"I sat down with the national team coach a couple weeks ago, he came to visit me here," said Enstrom. "It was a hard decision to make, but I decided to not play on the national team."
Enstrom, who played for Sweden in the 2010 Olympic Games in Vancouver, said injuries from last season and preparation for a Jets playoff run this year were the motivation behind his choice to sit out.
"I just felt like I want to focus on Winnipeg here and the team and really push for playoffs," he said. "I want to take that time to rest and just be healthy. Last year was a tough year for me. I haven't played in the playoffs in six years and that's really what I want to do."
Sweden is expected to do well in the tournament, but the hype wasn't enough for Enstrom to change his mind.
"Not at all. I've been talking to a lot of people, my family, and it's not easy, and I didn't feel 100 per cent going and that's when I decided to say no," he said.
Enstrom has played in all 14 games this season. He has one goal and six assists and is a plus-2 during that stretch.