The NHL feels strongly about sending its contracted players off to the 2018 Olympics…and so does captain of the Washington Capitals, Alex Ovechkin. Except, their feelings towards it are the complete opposite.
While the League would rather hold back their contracted players, Ovechkin would rather play. To the league, the idea of shutting down at mid-season for almost three weeks, especially with the tournament being held in a non-traditional market that would not allow for live, primetime viewing of the games in North America doesn’t exactly seem ideal. Ovechkin has a different point of view. The Russian hockey star is taking a stance against the NHL, vowing that he will, in fact, play in the 2018 Olympics.
For now, the league is looking out for significant financial consideration from the International Ice Hockey Federation and Olympic organizers before allowing any commitment from the league and its players; they would rather have somebody else pick up the tab for injury insurance, travel and accommodations, and rights to video footage. What this means in plain English is that the NHL wants to make bank off of the Olympics.
Ovechkin has been to three Olympics; it is clear that when his country calls, he’s there for them. He is full of heart, but, at the same time, he has yet to lead them to victory. By completely undermining the league’s strength, it could put his full-time plans in the league in jeopardy in 2018.
This isn’t the first time Ovechkin has defied the NHL before. In 2013 he took the same stand, even after fully understanding the NHL’s idea behind it. When it comes down to it, decisions made for the Olympics put business first and passion second.
I applaud him for wanting to stand up against this action and for being so outspoken and passionate about what he wants to do. By then, his case could be viewed in a positive light and potentially open up a few doors for other Russian stars on the ice to tag along with him. After all, we do have a very long journey until 2018, don’t we?
