Since 1998, the league has sent its players and coaches to the Games, oftentimes held on different continents. Logistically, that is difficult for the NHL, and it isn’t easy for any of the 30 teams from a business perspective either.
“There are a lot of owners, a lot of clubs, over the years that have been very concerned about what Olympic participation does to the season. What it does to players in terms of injuries. Not just those that go, but having a compressed schedule can make players more tired, more wear and tear on them, the potential for injury is greater.