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For this season the NHL isn’t seeking to mimic the NBA in terms of an in season tournament. What’s interesting about this write up (which I originally dismissed) was the title change. It had been “The NHL doesn’t need an in season tournament…. So, why change it? The Olympics. Nobody wants a title saying that the NHL doesn’t need extra games outside of the season when the NHLPA is fiercely approaching the upcoming games.
Chris Wassel put together a piece regarding both the World Cup of Hockey in 2024 and the Olympics in 2026 in Italy.
A quote from Bill Daly:
“Now, Bill Daly has said 2026 in Italy is a different matter and something we consider important for NHL players. Right now, it appears the league is in support of facilitating this with the players. The players crave format and regularity. This is not hard. Hopefully, the 2024 World Cup Of Hockey along with the Olympics become regular mainstays again especially if done right.…
If you can believe it we’re 9 years from the 2014 participation in Sochi. We’re also in a completely new environment in terms of viewership. A quick refresh on the issues from the ownership side:
Player Insurance - that’s a biggie. If something goes wrong for a 9 or 10 million dollar player it’s a big hit to the team, but to insure that type of salary isn’t cheap.
Travel - the NHL and IIHF have battled over this one. Who foots the bill for the players to get themselves safely (not to mention all necessary equipment) to Italy?
Regular season schedule - the 2 week break in games could be viewed as a negative to the broadcast partners
Potential injury - it can happen. Some strange play goes wrong and someone is on IR.
For the Players:
Chance of a life time - I’d be lying if I said a trip to Italy wouldn’t be a dream come true. Art and architecture, incredible views, and a culture steeped in traditions (I guess you’re supposed to wear white your first ever trip, and locals go out of their way to greet you).
The gold medal moments - few who were watching will forget Crosby yelling to Iginla “Jiggy!’ That pass is part of history now. At least 3 movies have been made about the USA wins in Lake Placid
Source of pride - while it feels sometimes like this has lost some luster, players talk about putting on their nation’s jersey for the first time. Almost a mythological moment.
Fantasy Hockey - you can have matchups and linemates that may not be feasible in a salary cap world. Of course, a Matthews led USA vs. a McDavid led Canadian squad would be the high water mark for many viewers.
Where I’m at - the Olympics used to be “must see TV…. In other words, the replays (if the games were overseas) were important and in homes with just one (maybe 2) TVs that’s what was on. It was like the rest of the world just hit “pause…. I don’t see that same widespread enthusiasm.
The NHL goes on a case by case basis on which games are important and which aren’t. The viewership is varied by country and demographic. I see more people skip the games each time they come around. There’s a very real possibility that this means more to the players and the older generations than it does to the target 18-35 demographic.
I can’t tell someone not to pursue their dream (unless it’s blatantly bad for them i.e. eating a box of cupcakes a day for a year). Players, more than ever, live their lives around hockey and at younger and younger ages. For some, this is a pinnacle.
We all know the league and players have to get numbers boosted. We won’t know the results of Olympic participation until it’s over. Let me know your thoughts in the comments.