If an NHL player wants to make a statement during the playing of the national anthem, he will have the full backing of his union bosses.

"We believe each player may choose to speak out or engage in peaceful protest on matters that are important to him," NHLPA executive director Donald Fehr wrote in a memo sent to players Wednesday. "A player is entitled to his own views on political and social issues, and the right of each player to express such views deserves respect."

A handful of players have spoken out on the topic in recent days, including Nashville Predators defenseman P.K. Subban, Philadelphia Flyers winger Wayne Simmonds, and San Jose Sharks forward Joel Ward, who didn't rule out the possibility of kneeling during the national anthem.

"Should a player decide to make such a peaceful protest, he would of course have the full support of the NHLPA in regard to his right to do so," Fehr added.

Fehr's comments come two days after NHL commissioner Gary Bettman noted he respects players' choices, but reasoned that fans are not interested in watching "an evening of politics."

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