It doesn't look like NHL players will compete in the Winter Olympics. TASS

NHL players will not be attending 2022 Olympics?

Originally posted on Daily Faceoff | By Zach Laing | Last updated 12/19/21

All signs are pointing toward the NHL not sending players to the 2022 Olympic Games in Beijing, China.

According to Sportsnet’s Elliotte Friedman, the league won’t be sending players to the Olympic games.

Link of NHL/NHLPA joint statements. Unfortunately, Olympics without NHL players appears to be reality, although formal announcement not for a few days https://t.co/WnIzedTtzN
— Elliotte Friedman (@FriedgeHNIC) December 19, 2021

The NHL said this in a statement Sunday afternoon: “The NHL and NHLPA are actively discussing the matter of NHL Player participation in the 2022 Winter Olympics in Beijing, China, and expect to be in a position to announce a final determination in the coming days.”

Friedman’s report was echoed by ESPN’s Emily Kaplan.

The move to not send players to the Olympics is likely the right, albeit tough, choice. Players who might test positive overseas could be forced into a four-week quarantine period, meaning they would likely lose NHL games.

On top of that, the NHL is currently being crippled by COVID-19 outbreaks that have shut down a number of teams, the Detroit Red Wings being the latest.

This article first appeared on Daily Faceoff and was syndicated with permission.

More must-reads: