Hockey fans responded to the reported policy of the NHL to announce team schedules for the Olympic Games in June and December. TSN analyst Pierre Lebrun posted an update on the problem on X (formerly Twitter) on Tuesday.
“Italy NHL Olympic Update: The plan with regard to Olympic schedules is that each country mentions 6 players in June and the rest of their schedules at the end of December,” was the post.
NHL fans were not happy with the news. The Olympic Winter Games 2026 are planned for 6-22 February. With the schedule announcements so quickly in advance, fans are worried about omissions and injuries for players.
A similar situation took place during the recently closed 4 countries face-off, and fans were quick.
“I think they didn’t learn from the 4 countries …” said a user.
“Will Russia play?” Another asked.
“What is the point of calling 6 players?” A fan sought -after.
“Why should they call players early? There will be no surprises with these announcements. Most countries have 6 obvious choices and those who don’t do that will call players that no one has heard of.” Another fan said.
‘What is the use of this, frankly? Just mention the team when you leave at the beginning of February, ‘another fan said.
“What is the use of this ‘name six players’ thing. It does not achieve anything of value.” One user said.
“Great. Another chance to choose a player too early instead of actually having the season unfolded (aka: Chris Kreider in the 4 nations).” A fan shared.
“What is the obsession with the early calling of boys? What does it matter?” Another user sought -after.
NHL players to participate in the Olympic Games after a decade long absence
After the immense popularity of the 4 Nations Face-Off, NHL players are expected to perform more in the best-best tournaments in the coming years, with the Olympic Games in 2026 and 2030 and the World Cup of 2028 already on the calendar.
During a press conference in February 2024, NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman discussed why and how the 4 Nations Facife-Off was created.
“We wanted to do something, but we thought we could not prepare for a full world cup in a year,” Bettman said via NHL. “This brings us to work and puts us on a schedule where I think that everyone is not only enthusiastic, but is really at ease.”
Since the Hockey World Cup in 2016, NHL players have not participated in a tournament at international level.
Published by Krutik Jain