Should the Wings Allow Players to Play in the Olympics?

[GMRwings1983 8,804]

With the injuries and bad luck we've had this season, plus the fact that after the Olympic break, we'll be playing for our playoff lives down to the last minute, I don't think we should allow any players to play in the Olympics. No reason to risk more injuries.

Might as well give the team rest and to regroup for the final push. This will give us a huge advantage over other teams who will send players to the Olympics. Imagine a Wings team that's been rested for two weeks.

I realize these guys want to play for their countries, and normally I'd love to see them in the Olympics, but this season is different. Also, don't forget that guys like Kronwall, Flip and Franzen will be returning from injuries and in the Olympics, they'll have to play a very condensed schedule with many games in few nights.

Also, after the last Olympics, the Wings gave our Swedes a couple of nights off to rest from their Olympic run. Imagine if team Sweden makes another deep push. Can we afford to give players nights off again when we're battling for playoff spots?

I wasn't sure, however, if this was an option that the team could pursue, or whether it's up to the players themselves? As far as I know, Holland has the power to do this.

[cusimano_brothers 1,655]

No problem; 'member this?

[ComradeWasabi 109]

I wouldn't mind if the Wings' players took two weeks to rest up and get healthy instead of going, but that's not going to happen. Holland will not prevent any players from playing in Vancouver.

[SweWings 45]

I wasn't sure, however, if this was an option that the team could pursue, or whether it's up to the players themselves? As far as I know, Holland has the power to do this.

For some reason I thought of He-Man when I read that.

In all seriousness though, refusing to let players represent their country is not a smart move.

[cupforwings 138]

I wouldn't be against it considering the Wings pay these guys $4-7 million dollars to play hockey for them... but this won't happen.. A lot of european players think winning the gold is more important than the stanley cup, where it is the opposite for North American players... I see it coming down to Russia and Canada, meaning Datsyuk won't have any break at all

[GMRwings1983 8,804]

No problem; 'member this?

What does that have anything to do with the Olympics?

The NHL doesn't run the Olympic games like it does the All Star Game.

[Rikadyn 16]

My answer is no, but then I do not believe that any paid pro athlete should be allowed to participate in the olympics...

[dat's sick 1,002]

Yes.. olympics are once every 4 years, players want to participate and it's fun as hell to watch. Besides, not everyone is going. Most of our team is resting.

[RusDRW 155]

This season it looks like Dats is trying to save some effort for Olympics. I won't be surprised if he finishes with 10+ of his patented assists to Frolov and Radulov, for example.

[Hockeytown_Ryan 122]

I have always thought that the olympic games should be amateur status...

But man the Olympic Winter Games are just that much more fun to watch.

tough call to make but I can see both sides...

[The Mule 0]

True - however our most important players such as Dats, Hank, Lids, Kronner, Holmstrom, and Rafalski are most likely going...Not a good idea if you ask me, but oh well.

So are the "important" players on every other team.

[GMRwings1983 8,804]

So are the "important" players on every other team.

Yeah, but other teams haven't had the problems with injuries that we've had.

Besides, if we don't send our guys, we could have an advantage over those other teams, like I said in my OP.

[RedArmy 4]

I wouldn't be against it considering the Wings pay these guys $4-7 million dollars to play hockey for them... but this won't happen.. A lot of european players think winning the gold is more important than the stanley cup, where it is the opposite for North American players... I see it coming down to Russia and Canada, meaning Datsyuk won't have any break at all

Stanley Cup and winning a Gold medal are different.

NHL is business I would say as much as you can say there is more to it, ultimately it is still a business. Olympic games generate revenues, but there is something about event that goes beyond that. I think for European players to win a cup is the biggest career achievement, but winning gold is to show that European hockey can dominate the #1 hockey country Canada...

for hockey fans worldwide NHL teams including wings should allow players to play. Think about it, what would Sweden be without the Wings roster:)? or Russia without Pavel...

the best of course for me would be if any non-canadian team takes the gold. Especially Russia or Sweden:) and of course United States although I don't want to hear more about stupid miracle on ice and Kurt Russel... ugh

Edited December 14, 2009 by RedArmy

[HenryMalredo 2]

Yeah, but other teams haven't had the problems with injuries that we've had.

Besides, if we don't send our guys, we could have an advantage over those other teams, like I said in my OP.

Thats not going to send a good message if the team keeps Zetterberg, Datsyuk, Lidstrom, and Rafalski at home, while Yzerman and Babcock take off for Vancouver.

[Carman 387]

Nope, Olympics are more important or at least equal to the NHL. At least in my mind. They are great to watch, and it's great seeing the best players in the world battle for their country, it's unfortunate that it is in the middle of the NHL season, but they are professional athletes it should be up to them. Not to mention Olympic hockey will most likely help spread the game to a new and gigantic fan base that the Olympics provide.

[BlueMonk 102]

Seeing every single Red Wing skip the Olympics and rest up for the stretch run would be just fine with me.

[mjlegend 155]

Nope, Olympics are more important or at least equal to the NHL. At least in my mind. They are great to watch, and it's great seeing the best players in the world battle for their country, it's unfortunate that it is in the middle of the NHL season, but they are professional athletes it should be up to them. Not to mention Olympic hockey will most likely help spread the game to a new and gigantic fan base that the Olympics provide.

It's supposed to, but it doesn't exactly do this.

To pull the chute on participation in the Olympics to rest for the Cup run is weaksauce. I would imagine if Holland could do that - and as far as I know he can't - that would be effectively the last Swedish or Russian or Czech or Canadian player the Wings ever signed.

Does anyone remember 2002? Anyone?

Edited December 14, 2009 by mjlegend

[55fan 5,133]

What? And miss perfect opportunities to take out Crosby, Ovechkin, Pronger...

Nah, I'm just kidding there.

I do see what you're saying, but this is an event that will come along only once or twice for some of these guys. Maybe 3 or 4 times for an elite player, but still it's a rare occasion in the grand scheme of things.

The game is less violent on the Olympic level (talking about fighting here), so there's a slightly less chance of injury due to that. Sure, they can trip or catch their skate in a rut, but that sort of thing can happen anywhere.

We can rest our depth, and give the guys who aren't going a chance to be with their families and to maybe nurse a few nagging pains.

From a fan's perspective, I like having NHL players in the Olympics. To be honest, it's the only reason I watch or even pay attention to the Games.

Plus it means a lot to the players to know that the franchise supports them as people. Remember back in '06 when we let the Swedes stay and celebrate with their countrymen? That meant a lot to them. When their contracts come up, they will remember how they are treated by the organization. Look at the discount we got for Hank.

If we were talking about the World Cup, I'd have a totally different opinion. That just wouldn't be feasible at all, but the Olympics is a couple of weeks every four years. I say let them go and play.

[Vladiator 116]

These guys (or any player in the NHL) should have the option to play for their country. Yes, there are those risks. I know that most of us Wings fans would be happier seeing our boys rest up, but I suppose we shall see were the priorities are. As said, the Olympics only comes around every four years, and seriously, who wouldn't want to play for their country?

Edited December 14, 2009 by Vladiator

[teebo 22]

i would never want to piss our current players off + lose the chance at signing free agents in the future. this is a big deal to a lot of players

[FunkedUp 29]

Hopefully our roster isn't further decimated by injuries from the Olympics. I like to think everyone would be fine, but with the way the season has gone it's likely someone will get injured. Holland isn't going to stop anyone from participating.

Edited December 14, 2009 by FunkedUp

[titanium2 867]

Kind of a silly question.

In Sweden, a young hockey player's dream is usually to play for Team Sweden in the Olympics/World tournaments first and foremost, not the NHL. I wouldn't be surprised if growing up the NHL is perceived a means for an extensive audition onto a spot for the Olympics.

[Guest micah]

Part of being a professional is learning to make your carreer your dream. If I'm Holland, I want my guys to dream of winning the Cup every single year and do whatever they can to make themselves most likely to accomplish that goal. If that means swallowing their national pride and sitting out the Olympics, so be it. They are not being paid to win medals they are being paid to win Cups. I do not want them riding motorcycles in their spare time, I do not want they playing in grueling hockey tournaments durring the regular season, I do not want them doing anything but working towards winning that Cup.

Holland will let the guys play in the Olympics. Maytbe that's a good decision from a moral standpoint. Personally, I think that players who have been underperforming thus far this season would be better off staying here, resting their bodies and studying their game.

The Olympics are not a one-off exhibition game for s***s and giggles like the All star game is, it is a serious tounrament that will tax a player emnotionally and physically.

The guys will play and I wish them success, but if one of them hurts themselves and thereby hurts the team, I hope their example is used to teach others the perils of putting your own goals before the team.

[Echolalia 2,961]

The political implications of forcibly sitting players in the Olympics would be staggering.

[titanium2 867]

Part of being a professional is learning to make your carreer your dream. If I'm Holland, I want my guys to dream of winning the Cup every single year and do whatever they can to make themselves most likely to accomplish that goal. If that means swallowing their national pride and sitting out the Olympics, so be it. They are not being paid to win medals they are being paid to win Cups.

Haha, you remind me of someone.