Are There Any NHL Players in the Olympics?

The NHL has decided not to send any of its players to the 2018 Winter Olympics. Here’s why that might not be a bad thing.

Introduction

With the 2018 Olympic Winter Games in Pyeongchang, South Korea just around the corner, many fans are wondering if any NHL players will be participating. In recent years, the NHL has declined to send players to the Olympics, citing concerns over insurance and player safety. However, a number of NHL players have been vocal about their desire to represent their countries on the world’s biggest stage. Here’s a look at what’s been going on with NHL players and the Olympics.

As it stands now, NHL players will not be participating in the 2018 Winter Olympics. In April 2017, the International Olympic Committee (IOC) announced that it would not cover insurance costs related to injuries sustained by NHL players during the Games. This was a significant departure from previous years, when the IOC had covered these costs.

In response, the NHL released a statement saying that it would not be sending players to Pyeongchang. “We now consider the matter officially closed,” said NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman.

Many of the world’s top hockey players have expressed their disappointment with the NHL’s decision. Alexander Ovechkin, captain of the Washington Capitals, has said that he intends to play in the 2018 Games regardless of whether or not the NHL allows it. “It’s my country,” Ovechkin told reporters in September 2017. “I think everybody wants to play there.”

Ovechkin is not alone in his desire to represent his country at the Olympics. A number of other high-profile NHL stars, including Sidney Crosby and Patrick Kane, have also said that they would like to play in Pyeongchang. It remains to be seen whether any of these players will ultimately be allowed to compete.

The situation with NHL players and the Olympics is currently fluid, and it’s possible that things could change before February 2018. For now, though, it doesn’t seem likely that we’ll see any NHLers on the ice in Pyeongchang.

NHL Players in the Olympics

The National Hockey League (NHL) is a professional ice hockey league in North America, currently comprising 31 teams: 24 in the United States and seven in Canada. The NHL is considered to be the premier professional ice hockey league in the world, and one of the major professional sports leagues in the United States and Canada.

Sidney Crosby

Sidney Crosby is a world-renowned professional ice hockey player. He is also the captain of the Pittsburgh Penguins of the National Hockey League (NHL). Crosby has represented Canada in several international tournaments, most notably the Olympics.

In 2010, Crosby helped lead Canada to a gold medal at the Winter Olympics in Vancouver. He scored the game-winning goal in overtime against the United States in the gold medal game. Crosby was named the tournament’s most valuable player and was also named to the Olympic All-Star team.

Crosby did not participate in the 2014 Winter Olympics in Sochi, Russia due to injury. However, he was still named to the Canadian Olympic team as an honorary captain.

Alexander Ovechkin

As of right now, it looks like Russian superstar Alexander Ovechkin will be the only NHL player competing in the 2018 Pyeongchang Winter Olympics. Ovechkin, who captains the Washington Capitals, has said that he plans on representing Russia in the Olympics even if the NHL does not allow its players to participate.

Patrick Kane

Patrick Kane, winger for the Chicago Blackhawks, is one of the NHL’s most dynamic and prolific players. He’s represented the United States in international play several times, including the 2010 and 2014 Winter Olympics. In 2010, Kane was named the MVP of the Olympic tournament after scoring the game-winning goal in overtime against Slovakia.

Conclusion

In conclusion, NHL players are not currently eligible to compete in the Olympics. However, there is a possibility that this may change in the future. For now, fans will have to enjoy watching their favorite players compete on the international stage from the comfort of their own homes.