Although NHL players won't be participating in the Olympics, there are a ton of former NHLers and prospects going for gold in Pyeongchang next month.
Canada is usually the favourite in every international tournament, but this year that's not the case because Russia's roster figures to be loaded with NHL talent.
While the team's roster still hasn't been released, there are a few names that reportedly have been allowed by the IOC to play in the Olympics.
Furthermore, as per Igor Eronko, there were five players who weren't given permission to play in the Olympics, four of which have ties to the NHL. Nichushkin, Plotnikov, and Belov are all former NHL players, while Bereglazov is a Rangers prospect, and for those wondering why the IOC didn't give permission to these players, join the club. The roster Team Russia won't be announced until January 25th. (H/T: Igor Eronko)