Why the NHL is not going to the Olympics
The NHL has been absent from the last two Winter Olympics, in 2018 and 2022, due to various reasons. In 2018, the league cited the lack of financial benefits, the disruption of the regular season schedule, and the risk of injuries as the main factors for its withdrawal. In 2022, the league blamed the worsening COVID-19 pandemic, which forced the postponement of many games in December 2021, for its decision to opt out.
Many hockey fans and players have expressed their frustration and sadness over the NHL’s absence from the Olympics, which is widely regarded as the pinnacle of international hockey competition. The Olympics offer a rare opportunity for the best players in the world to represent their countries and showcase their skills on a global stage. The last time the NHL players participated in the Olympics was in 2014, when Canada defeated Sweden to win the gold medal.
What the NHL is planning instead
The NHL and the NHLPA are hoping to fill the void left by the Olympics with a new international tournament, which will feature four teams composed of NHL players. The tournament, which is still in the planning stages, is expected to take place in February 2025, during the regular season break. The goal is to make it a recurring event, alternating with the World Cup of Hockey, which is another NHL-sponsored tournament that was last held in 2016.
The NHL deputy commissioner Bill Daly said that the tournament will be “heavily NHL-centric” and “maybe entirely NHL” in terms of the player base. He did not specify which four teams will be involved, but it is likely that they will be based on geographic regions, similar to the World Cup of Hockey, which featured teams such as Europe, North America, and Scandinavia.
The NHL also hopes to return to the Olympics in 2026 and 2030, pending an agreement with the International Olympic Committee (IOC) and the International Ice Hockey Federation (IIHF). However, the league’s participation in the Olympics is not guaranteed, as there are many issues and challenges that need to be resolved, such as insurance, travel, broadcasting rights, and COVID-19 protocols.
How the fans and players are reacting
The NHL’s alternative tournament has not received a warm welcome from the hockey community, as many fans and players have expressed their dissatisfaction and disinterest in the idea. Some of the common criticisms are:
- The tournament is too small and exclusive, as it will only include four teams and exclude many countries and players that deserve to compete.
- The tournament is too artificial and contrived, as it will not reflect the true national pride and identity of the players and the fans.
- The tournament is too inferior and irrelevant, as it will not match the prestige and excitement of the Olympics, which is a historic and cultural event that transcends sports.
Some of the prominent NHL players who have voiced their displeasure with the tournament are:
- Connor McDavid, the captain of the Edmonton Oilers and the best player in the world, who said that he is “not interested” in the tournament and that he wants to play in the Olympics.
- Sidney Crosby, the captain of the Pittsburgh Penguins and a three-time Olympic gold medalist, who said that he is “disappointed” with the tournament and that he hopes to play in the Olympics again.
- Alex Ovechkin, the captain of the Washington Capitals and a Russian icon, who said that he is “not happy” with the tournament and that he will play in the Olympics regardless of the NHL’s decision.
The NHL’s alternative tournament may be a well-intentioned attempt to provide some form of international hockey competition for its players and fans, but it seems that it will not be able to replace the magic and allure of the Olympics, which is what the hockey world truly wants and deserves.
