So the NHL made its decision and announced it before the league's playoffs begin on April 12.
The NHL reached a decision on Monday (NZT Tuesday) not to release its players for the Games, saying talks to find a solution to the problem of halting its league mid-season to accommodate the Olympics in the past had not been successful.
Unhappy about having to shut down for nearly three weeks in the middle of their regular season, the National Hockey League had been seeking major concessions from the IOC, including recognition comparable to that of an Olympic Top Sponsor, for taking part in the South Korea games.
Team Canada poses for a team photo after defeating Sweden to win the gold medal at the 2014 Sochi Winter Olympics in Sochi, Russia on Sunday, February 23, 2014.
Russian Federation and Capitals star Alexander Ovechkin still plans to play in the 2018 Olympics, despite the NHL's decision not to have its players participate.
Originally the idea was that allowing National Hockey League players to participate in the Olympics would grow the sport in new markets around the globe and lead to increased attendance and television ratings at home. "If somebody's gonna tell me not to go, I don't care - I'll just go". But, general unhappiness is starting to filter in throughout the league as players speak to reporters after morning skate.
"It's a hard situation to be in, there's no doubt", Crosby told the Post-Gazette. I think for players, going to the Olympics is a privilege. "Obviously, they wanted something more, and we still do not know what".
From Alex Ovechkin and Jonathan Toews to Connor McDavid and Henrik Lundqvist, the world's best players called playing in the Olympics important.
Prison Break, the Revival
The season follows Michael Scofield, who is portrayed by actor Wentworth Miller, picking up some time after his supposed death. These episodes are certainly edge-of-your-seat episodes that keep you excited and anxious about what's coming next.
The only thing that is clear is that, with ten months to go until the Pyeongchang Olympic Games, this "officially closed" matter brings up far more questions than answers. "I think the hockey there is unbelievable, it's a different level that you don't get anywhere else". "Maybe they will let us go". What would that rule look like and how would teammates react if the likes of Ovechkin and Kuznetsov bolted is another matter. "I don't think you can take it away from players".
"People talk about our interest in worldwide", he added.
"I'd tip my caps to those guys for doing it, and I think that's something that I'm sure will cause trouble with your team, but if that's your sentiment and that's how you feel, then absolutely, you should honor that and be proud that you did it", he said.
"We're not going to give up something ridiculous", Faulk said recently.
The press seats at Mackey are near the top of the arena, right behind the midcourt camera operators, and one of those operators had the Olympic gold medal game between Canada and the United States going on a small black-and-white screen.
"For me, it's a great experience to be around NHLers", Rougeau said. It's a grand stage, the grandest of them all, and to have that opportunity denied is leaving a sour taste.
Warriner has mixed feelings about the announcement because it's an opportunity for other players to shine but as a fan wants to see the best compete. He was lucky enough to play for Canada in 2014, with a more prominent role likely waiting for him in 2018. He should go to the Olympics with his countrymen and compete in Pyeongchang.
