The NHL has announced that they will not be sending their players to the Olympics in February.
The NHL said in a statement, “Unfortunately, given the profound disruption to the NHL’s regular-season schedule caused by recent COVID-related events — 50 games already have been postponed through Dec. 23 — Olympic participation is no longer feasible. We certainly acknowledge and appreciate the efforts made by the International Olympic Committee, the International Ice Hockey Federation and the Beijing Organizing Committee to host NHL Players but current circumstances have made it impossible for us to proceed despite everyone’s best efforts. We look forward to Olympic participation in 2026.”
He adds, “Our focus and goal have been and must remain to responsibly and safely complete the entirety of the NHL regular season and Stanley Cup Playoffs in a timely manner. Therefore, with stringent health protocols once again in place, we will begin utilizing available dates during the Feb. 6-22 window (originally contemplated to accommodate Olympic participation) to reschedule games that have been, or may yet be, postponed.”
Chris Drury had recently been named assistant GM for Team USA.
Mika Zibanejad had already been named to Team Sweden and it was expected that at least Adam Fox, for Team USA, and Artemi Panarin, for Russia, would also be going to the Olympics.
David Quinn was slated to be an assistant on Mike Sullivan’s Team USA staff. Quinn is likely going to step in for Sullivan and coach Team USA.