We're still a few months away from the 2010 Winter Olympics, which will be held in Vancouver. The NHL is allowing players to take part in the Games for a fourth time, but this may be the last.The idea of shutting down the NHL season for two weeks does not sit well with some owners, and commissioner Gary Bettman wants to talk with the union about the concept before agreeing to send players to the Olympics in 2014. Washington Capitals forward Alex Ovechkin doesn't seem pleased about the idea of missing the Games in his home country.
In an interview with ESPN.com, Ovechkin says he's going to play in the 2014 Games -- scheduled for Sochi, Russia. He doesn't care what the league says.
Ovechkin's pledge to defy his own contract and go AWOL if the NHL decides not to take part in future Olympics ups the ante considerably on both sides of the debate.So, if you're the Washington Capitals, do you just let the guy go for two weeks, or do you put your foot down?
"I don't care," Ovechkin defiantly stated. "I'll go play in the Olympic Games for my country. If somebody says to me you can't play, see ya."
Even if it meant the Washington Capitals would suspend him?
"I don't care," he said.
... Ovechkin said it was likely other Russians would have a similar mindset toward playing on their home soil in 2014.
"Who can say you can't play for your country in the Olympic Games? I think it's ..."
Unfair?
"It's not unfair, it's stupid," he said. "Somebody don't like it, see you next year."
Ovechkin might be a star who isn't worth upsetting, but he also ties up a good chunk of salary cap space ($9 million in the 2013-2014 season) for the team.
The league and players' union need to come together on this issue. There is no real reason to continue the arrangement from a business standpoint. Sochi is nine hours ahead of the Eastern Time Zone, meaning games played in the evening there would have to air in the midday in order to get live coverage on U.S. television. Diehard hockey fans will definitely tune in, but the league isn't likely to see much increase in overall interest from the players participating. The loss of momentum that comes from a two-week shutdown is likely not worth it.
However, there's no real doubt that the players love this. That support means the owners would likely have to give up something to get out of the Olympics. It's likely to be a contentious negotiation, but the owners could be better off -- despite the potential pitfalls from the business perspective -- staying in the Games.
Meanwhile, it'll be interesting in the coming months to see if any other players share Ovechkin's sentiments, and would be willing to at least talk big about taking part in 2014.
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
9-09-2009 @ 5:16PM
carmelusp said...
The NHL has never been accused of top flight management at any level. You need to get down to several GM's and some coaches before any sense surfaces. So the players involvement in the Olympics is seriously in question. Look, this is truly a no brainer. The Olympic tournament is always fabulous hockey, played on a world stage, by the finest players each nation can field. Everyone should want this to succeed. A two week shutdown of the NHL will not eliminate revenue generating games, but it will put the world's finest league on display for the whole world to see. NHL marketing down the road only benefits from NHL players in the Olympics. Come on owners and NHL brass, even a dummy can figure this one out!!!
Reply
9-09-2009 @ 9:01PM
Josh said...
I think that Ovechkin is right. Would the NHL be willing to suspend it's three 2009 MVP Candidates if they choose to play in the Olympics on their homesoil? Say we are generous and they only suspend them 10 games. Add in the 5-8 games played during those two weeks already and those three owners are losing star players for 15 games, possibly 20.
Would two of the most powerful teams in the league, front office wise (Detroit and Pittsburgh), be willing to sacrifice the possible ticket sale decreases from Ovechkin, Malkin, and, to a lesser extent, Datsyuk not playing for a month? Not only that, would they be willing to let go of their top players for that long right in the middle of the post season push?
If Ovechkin is right and Malkin, Datsyuk, Gonchar, Markov (who might be named Captain of the Canadiens), Semin, Nabakov, and Zherdev (not as good as the others but he's played 82 games in 3 of 4 seasons, with 80 played in the other) decide to play on their homesoil (which is a once in a lifetime opportunity), the NHL cannot possibly think it would be a wise business decision to stop them or suspend them for it. (I may have forgotten some good Russians. I apologize)
And that brings others into question. The Swedes, Fins and Canadians make up the large majority of the league now it seems and all three are highly patriotic. What if they all want to play too? You could be missing the vast majority of your top teams like Detroit, Pittsburgh, Washington, San Jose, Anaheim, etc.
Overall, the NHL cannot possibly think it would be a intelligent idea.
Reply
9-09-2009 @ 9:48PM
geoffball said...
Way to go OV. I think this is the right move.
Unless the IIHF institutes a true World Cup that doesn't interfere with the Stanley Cup finals, the only nationalistic world championship with all the best players is the Olympics every four years.
OV's mom won a Gold medal or two as a start on the Soviet women's basketball teams in the 1970s. I bet winning a gold medal means as much to him as does winning the Stanley Cup.
I bet Ted Leonsis understands all of this. He may publicly be against for unity with the other owners, but he's the kind of guy who would give tacit approval.
Reply
9-10-2009 @ 9:21AM
claytor said...
Kind of a mixed bag here, as id like to see the next gen of players get their opps, but i agree, anyone who truly wishes to represent their country should rightfully do so. Russians are groomed on hockey so i can fully understand the level of pride they take in the Olympic games.
Im quite sure Ovy wont be alone when this situation grows nearer, Malkin, Datsyuk, and plenty others will want to play for their homelands, and we havent even mentioned the Swedes who have become the new powerhouse in international hockey, itll be interesting to see how this all plays out. Heres hoping the owners dont stiffen up over it.
Reply