Monday afternoon, the NHL announced that its players will not participate in next year’s Olympic Games in Pyeongchang, South Korea. Hours later, the NHLPA responded, calling the decision “extraordinarily disappointing.”
Tuesday afternoon, Alex Ovechkin had his chance to respond and confirmed he’s still planning on playing for Team Russia in the 2018 Winter Games.
Ovechkin also spoke about his belief that yesterday’s release was a bit of gamesmanship by the league.
“Next year’s schedule is not out there yet,” Ovechkin said.
Ovechkin on Olympics, if he's still going: "Yeah, I didn't change my mind. I'm still going " pic.twitter.com/SzO2RUpL79
— Pierre LeBrun (@Real_ESPNLeBrun) April 4, 2017
Alex Ovechkin thinks the NHL is bluffing on Olympic decision.
— Chris Johnston (@reporterchris) April 4, 2017
Alex Ovechkin says he doesn't think this is any different than the uncertainty before Sochi. "Next year's schedule is not out there yet."
— Chris Johnston (@reporterchris) April 4, 2017
Sportsnet’s Chris Johnston also spoke to TJ Oshie about the matter.
T.J. Oshie on Olympics: "For some reason, for me, I still think it's going to happen."
— Chris Johnston (@reporterchris) April 4, 2017
Evgeny Kuznetsov and Dmitry Orlov confirmed they would still participate regardless.
Evgeni Kuznetsov hopes the NHL still allows them to go but if not, says he intends to still go to South Korea. "it's in the heart," he said
— Pierre LeBrun (@Real_ESPNLeBrun) April 4, 2017
Caps backup goaltender Philipp Grubauer pointed out the hypocrisy in the league’s decision.
Grubauer says it makes no sense for the NHL to play exhibition games in Asia to grow the sport then not play in the Olympics.
— James Mirtle (@mirtle) April 4, 2017
Reigning Vezina Trophy winner Braden Holtby announced he would not participate if the NHL’s decision does not change.
Braden Holtby says it's a personal decision for each guy but he would not leave the Caps and go to South Korea if there's no deal
— Pierre LeBrun (@Real_ESPNLeBrun) April 4, 2017
Kevin Shattenkirk believes the NHL is trying to use players’ desire to participate against them instead of focusing on the growth of the game longterm.
Shattenkirk said the league is using the Olympics as a "bargaining chip."
— Isabelle Khurshudyan (@ikhurshudyan) April 4, 2017
Headline photo: @lukefoxjukebox
