Tuesday, February 11, 2014

Don't expect NHLers in South Korea

From where I sit it looks like at least one group wants the NHL back inthe Olympics...

via olympic.ca

But at the same time it's hardly surprising that's what the IIHF is after. It promotes the game, and is high quality hockey. However, it comes at a steep price for the NHL. A three week break in the schedule, combined with the compressed season the league has to run is taking it's toll. There have been a number of injuries to star players this season, including some stars massing out on the games altogether. How many of those could be chalked up to over taxing the body? Sure, Steven Stamkos has a broken leg, but Henrik Sedin doesn't. The NHL doesn't get any control over the images or video from the games either. Add to that the next games are in South Korea, and the following games won't be any closer. At best the Olympics returns to North America in 2026. At best. The teams make no money off the Olympics, and risk injury to their top players. I can't see them being too enthused about going back, not without a lot of concessions.

At least that's how I see it...and I sit in the cheap seats.

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