The NHL still hasn’t decided whether or not it will participate in the 2018 Winter Olympics held in South Korea. Some preliminary discussions have been held between the league, the owners and the NHLPA, but so far a final decision appears to be a ways off.
With all of the Olympic uncertainty and the league trying to prepare its 2017-18 schedule, the NHL has spoken with teams around the league about two different scheduling scenarios.
Bill Daly, the NHL’s Deputy Commissioner, commented on how the league is preparing.
Exact quote from Bill Daly. Preparing for both scenarios, but no update on the Olympics. pic.twitter.com/i5eTHvUNs7
— David Alter (@dalter) December 30, 2016
That’s not to say that either schedule is final or even close to being complete, but it demonstrates that the NHL is at least acknowledging the Olympics are still a possibility by preparing for both potential outcomes. The NHL may be just covering its bases publicly and may have no intention of actually competing in the Olympics, but it’s nice to hear them at least acknowledge there’s still some hope for fans who want to see their favorites play for their respective country.
The league may come out later and formally decline the offer to participate, but for now this clip seems appropriate:
