As we get closer and closer to 2018, it’s looks more and more like NHL players will not be attending the Olympics (At least they won’t be sent by the NHL).
Obviously, fans are upset about this news, because part of what makes the Olympics great is seeing the best competition against the best. It’s not just the fans though, players are upset as well. The news was re-ignited yesterday as pre-Olympic tournament rosters were chosen for Team Canada (Which gave an idea of what the Olympic team may look like without NHL players) and Connor McDavid expressed his disappointment in the NHL’s decision.
With all of that said, we thought it was a good opportunity to point out how widespread the dissatisfaction is around the NHL. Evgeni Malkin sounded off today as well, but the list of stars that have spoken their mind goes twenty deep.
If you know of any others that have shared their opinions, let us know in the comments!
Sidney Crosby
“It's disappointing, I really thought something was going to be able to work out,. Unfortunately, that's not the case.” - Trib Live
Ovechkin
Connor McDavid
Evgeni Malkin
"I thought I would talk to him, but I thought it was better to wait just before the Games, possibly at Christmas or after New Year's Day.
It will be difficult to go if the league refuses. Mario may not be able to influence their decision, but I want to talk to the owners.” – TVA Sports
Jakob Voracek
“Absolutely ridiculous, we have it once every four years. I read something that Bill Daly said we’re not going (and) nobody wants to go. The players want to go. Why are you saying you’re not going? You’re not part of the players’ association.
Nobody wants you there. They want the players.” (Via: Daily News)
James Van Riemsdyk
“Guys love representing their country on [the Olympic] stage and it is a bitter pill to swallow for sure. As players, we have shown we want to be there and made that very clear, but this decision was made outside of us.” – Via Globe and Mail
Evegeny Kuznetzov
Carey Price
“I hope that this is not the end. Maybe it’s a [negotiation] tactic. The Olympics are not here yet. I feel like we’re shortchanging some of the younger players that haven’t had that opportunity.” – Metro News
Nathan MacKinnon
“I think it’s obviously the owners’ decision. It’s too bad. It’s a time for us to showcase the best players in the world and grow the game in places where hockey’s not very big, such as Korea. … This is an opportunity for us to grow it, with Beijing coming up in 2022 as well.” – Denver Post
Erik Karlsson
“Whoever made that decision obviously had no idea about what they’re doing” – Ottawa Citizen
Victor Hedman
“Extremely, extremely disappointed. Just a loss for words.” – Tampa Bay.com
Gabriel Landeskog
“That’s a great honor for your country and to be part of that, but also to win an Olympic medal. It doesn’t happen often to get that chance, and I think it’s too bad, disappointing to say the least.” – Denver Post
Henrik Lundqvist
Nicklas Backstrom
Jack Eichel
“It's a little bit disappointing as a player who takes a lot of pride in representing his country and who's done it before. As a young kid just breaking into the league it's something I definitely watched growing up and looked forward to.” – Toronto Sun
Anton Stralman
“All they really care about is more money, that's the bottom line. That's what it's all about. That's even more sad to me. It's a few billionaires trying to make an extra buck.” – ESPN’s Joe McDonald
Steven Stamkos
Marc-Edouard Vlasic
Zach Parise
Kevin Shattenkirk
