NHL says no to 2018 Olympics

[E.L.]

https://www.nhl.com/news/nhl-will-not-p ... -288385598" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

Of course, that might not stop a few players, such as Alex Ovechkin, from going anyway.

[Bosc]

https://www.nhl.com/news/nhl-will-not-participate-in-2018-winter-olympics/c-288385598

Of course, that might not stop a few players, such as Alex Ovechkin, from going anyway.

Think NHL will suspend those guys, even if their individual owners support the player's decision? That'll be a shitstorm.

[E.L.]

Gary's petty enough to do just about anything.

[Pokecheque]

Using the Olympics as a CBA negotiation tactic was completely ridiculous. I'm almost rooting for another lockout at this point.

[Logical Progression]

Ovechkin says he's going to the Olympics regardless of the NHL's decision and owner Ted Leonsis backs him. However the Vice President of Russian Hockey says he can't legally do that unless he terminates his contract with the Capitals.

In reality Leonsis and Ovechkin can think whatever they want but if Ovechkin terminates his contract with the Capitals, then that would be the end of him playing NHL hockey.

Maybe that's what he wants, but he should have probably measured his response today in light of the aforementioned fact.

And yes it is a disgrace what the NHL are doing.

[Chris18]

I'm not up on the potential long term impacts, but you all know I've hated the Prolympics, so in a vacuum, I'm glad to hear this. If it turns out to be the thread that gets pulled leading to another lockout, then it sucks dog balls. But at this moment, I'm happy. I reserve the right to be pissed off later though. I'm at my best when I'm pissed.

[Bosc]

I don't think there is any way a player can decide to just terminate his contract, unless it's mutual with the team or he retires. If he retires, he can't come back for a year or few.

Gary's petty enough to do just about anything.

Gary would be and so would the owners who back him.

[Logical Progression]

I don't think there is any way a player can decide to just terminate his contract, unless it's mutual with the team or he retires. If he retires, he can't come back for a year or few

Kovalchuck did it. My point is that doing that would come at a big cost and be a very messy situation with many moving parts including the Russian Ice Hockey Federation. Maybe he wants to just play in the K after the Olympics - you know how they love the K.

Also for the record, the NHL hasn't released the NHL schedule or announced the All Star Game location for next year yet.....hmmmm

[Bosc]

I don't think there is any way a player can decide to just terminate his contract, unless it's mutual with the team or he retires. If he retires, he can't come back for a year or few

Kovalchuck did it. My point is that doing that would come at a big cost and be a very messy situation with many moving parts including the Russian Ice Hockey Federation. Maybe he wants to just play in the K after the Olympics - you know how they love the K.

Also for the record, the NHL hasn't released the NHL schedule or announced the All Star Game location for next year yet.....hmmmm

Kovalchuk did it by retiring and the Devils agreed to it. Mutual decision.

http://www.sbnation.com/nhl/2013/7/15/4 ... nhl-return" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

He ultimately returned to the NHL in time for the start of the 2013 season, but apparently spoke on several occasions with New Jersey manager Lou Lamoriello about his desire to return home. Lamoriello and the Devils seemingly respected this desire and allowed Kovalchuk's contract to be terminated through retirement. Had the club not agreed with the decision, they could have tolled his contract from season-to-season to ensure that Kovalchuk could never play professional hockey again. Due to the memorandum of understanding between the KHL and NHL, Kovalchuk would not have been permitted to play in Russia while signed to a deal in North America. By allowing the player to retire, New Jersey gave Kovalchuk the opportunity to sign in Russia.