Report: NHLers in North America irked by players returning to ice in Sweden

Find out the latest on COVID-19's impact on the sports world and when sports are returning by subscribing to Breaking News push notifications in the Sports and COVID-19 section.

Vancouver Canucks forward Elias Pettersson and many other players in Sweden have been granted permission by local authorities to return to the ice, something their peers overseas are not pleased about, TSN's Darren Dreger reported on Tuesday's edition of "Insider Trading."

Some players in North America "do not like the idea" of the Swedes being allowed to skate due to the "competitive edge" it could offer if the league returns, according to Dreger.

Having players return to the ice is a recommendation - but not a directive - from the league, Dreger adds. Due to the coronavirus pandemic, arenas and training facilities remain closed in North America to all players unless they are rehabbing an injury.

Last week, the league extended its self-quarantine recommendation for players and staff for the third time, pushing back the date to April 30.

NHL commissioner Gary Bettman said players will need a two-to-three week training camp if the NHL resumes its season, which was suspended March 12.