The NHL recently announced it will not alter the 2017-2018 schedule to accommodate the Winter Olympics. The decision will affect several Columbus Blue Jackets but it also puts the growth of hockey in jeopardy.
This is a devastating blow to the game of hockey and many Columbus Blue Jackets players. Americans like hockey, and Americans LOVE America. The Olympics is an incredible opportunity to bring those two loves together. Hockey The NHL has a golden opportunity right now to break out and put players such as Zach Werenski, Alexander Wennberg, and Sergei Bobrovsky on the biggest platform and they’re going to pass on it.
I used to think that the NHL was just unlucky. They were trying to break into a sports market already saturated by iconic American sports like baseball, football, and basketball. But now, I see that they just don’t care. They have no desire to top the others. That’s evident by the NHL denying players the opportunity to represent their nations on the international stage.
The executives in the hockey world see the game as some elite entity reserved for the purists who appreciate the game to the fullest and have no desire to be in the spotlight. The type of exposure the sport gets on the Olympic stage is unparalleled. All the NHL team names and stats thrown around on broadcasts are just waiting to catch someone’s ear. “Oh, the Columbus Blue Jackets! That’s pretty close to us and they’re kind of good, I think. These guys look like they’d be fun to watch.” It can really be that easy to capture a new CBJ fan so hopefully owner John P. McConnell voices his support for his beloved players.
Strongly worded response from NHLPA on NHL decision to not go to 2018 Olympics: pic.twitter.com/tSH0jzHAAk
— Bob McKenzie (@TSNBobMcKenzie) April 3, 2017
Here are just a few Blue Jackets that may be great affected by this bonehead decision by the NHL.
USA
Brandon Saad, Seth Jones, Zach Werenski, Jack Johnson, Brandon Dubinsky
Although Werenski is a little young, the star potential is definitely there. Dubinsky and Johnson would both be returners if they were using the World Cup of Hockey roster. As for Jones and Saad, both members of the Team North America roster, there’s no doubt they would be in the conversation.
Sweden
I think this one is a shoe in. Wennberg currently sits second in points on the team and is no doubt a rising star in the league. This could have been a great opportunity for him to showcase his skills with some of the best in the world.
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Finland
Joonas Korpisalo, Markus Nutivaara
Korpi is an easy pick for third goalie behind Tuuka Rask and Pekka Rinne. Although if we’re being honest, Rask is starting to show his age a bit and there’s nothing to say he would definitely hold a spot above Korpisalo. As for Nutivaara, he’s another rising star in the NHL and is one of the most solid young defenseman the league has to offer. Both these players would be an easy lock in my book.
Denmark
At the 2016 IIHF World Championship, Denmark boasted only three NHL players. There’s no doubt the 21 year-old winger would make the roster. Given his skillset and professional experience, he would’ve had an opportunity to be an impact player for his team and a breakout star of the Olympics.
Russia
Bob would be the starter for this team. Period. Next country.
Czech Republic
This is a guy that plays a great role on the Jackets. He’s got 13 points in 62 games this season but would definitely compete for a third or fourth line spot on his national team.
That’s 11 players from the Blue Jackets right there that could easily compete for a spot and promote the sport in Ohio. But instead the NHL wants to, well… Actually- I can’t even come up with a reason for them to pull this stunt. But nonetheless it’s bad for the sport. It’s a huge opportunity missed and once again the NHL burrows itself from the American market.