is it true that the 2010 olympics will be the last ones with NHL players?

  • Thread starter Thread starter Habsfan
  • Start date Start date
It's all BS. Bettman is just saying that because the 2014 games are in Russia, and the NHL and Russia are not getting along right now, so it's a smoke screen.

It was Bettman's idea to showcase NHL players in the Olympics in the first place. He wouldn't just stop doing that because it can only hurt the NHL.
 
It is the last year that the NHL has committed too. The could come out and say that we will be there in 2014, 2018 and 2022 or they may say this is it.

With new competition with KHL league I think the NHL will continue letting its players go to the olympics for the exposure the NHL game gets because of it.
 
Maybe-I'm one of the people who feels up and comers should have a chance to play in the Olympics, and let the NHL and KHL organize a World Cup of hockey. Otherwise it's just too confusing as to which the best tournament.
 
Participation in 2014 has not yet been determined. As LITY noted, this is but one of several issues to be negotiated in the next CBA.

The NHL would be wise to come up with some sort of arrangement for participation. I've long seen the Olympic soccer (football) tournament as a model the NHL could use; for soccer it's a U-23 tournament, but each team is allowed a few (I think 3, but I could be wrong) overage players. One would hope the IIHF might come up with something, but I wouldn't hold my breath.

The global audience (and very heavy in Europe) should not be discounted. Plus, if the European rights fees go up for the Olympics, broadcasters are going to want something like this for one of the marquee events.
 
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