Bettman might say no to Sochi Olympics

[Guest Shoreline]

If they decided to not allow NHL players into the olympics, then it's quite simple -- I watch the olympics and the NHL can kiss my ass throughout it's duration. I like hockey, and the NHL isn't the only hockey out there.

[Barrie 900]

I'd rather the NHL stop playing in the Olympics, and have the World Cup of Hockey every 4 years instead.

[Nev 1,085]

What's Bettman think he's going to do... take on the Olympics w/ a regular NHL schedule with weekend games on NBC? HA!

Great point.

And didn't a recent poll show 90% of players want to play in the Olympics?

I'm not one of those who really hate Bettman, like some, but the guy is clearly a moron. The NHL is a weak league in so many ways, Bettman reminds me in this instance of a quote I once saw about Charles DeGaulle, "Tiresome pirouetting from a slender power base"

[T.Low 1,011]

"Most importantly, as Bettman said, the NHL loans out its players to participate in the Olympics and the more than 140 competing in the current tournament add up to $2 billion in contract salaries.

"For two weeks we loan out the most important assets in our game and nobody should underestimate that," Bettman said."

Olympic hockey with NHL palyers is exciting as hell, I hope they are able to play in 2014. But Bettman's got a point. It's not as simple as most of you seem to think it is.

Personally, if NHL players were not in the Olympics, I would not alter my day to watch the games the same way I am this year.

And yeah, it's not like NHL players were always in Olympics; quite the contrary actually.

[RedWingsFan4Life 0]

If NHL players aren't sent all of a sudden Switzerland's gold medal chances significantly increase. Of course Sweden and Russia would still be the favorites.

[55fan 5,133]

I wouldn't bother watching (due to work schedule, it's kind of hard) unless there were NHL guys playing.

What Bettman isn't saying is, "I have no plans to announce that I will allow the players to participate in Sochi. The CBA is about to be re-negotiated, and this is a huge carrot I can dangle in front of these little bunnies. If I leave this matter hanging, I can get them to cave on something else."

Bettman may be an idiot about hockey, but he is making a very sound weasel decision.

Or maybe he's a Sochiopath.

[RedWingsFan4Life 0]

CBA negotiations

Bettman: well guys we're willing to give you the Olympics but, in order to do that we have to cut something out of our budget due the the huge cost the Olympics pose to NHL "Evil laugh from Bettman". We're willing to let you guys go to the Olympics as long as you guys are willing to agree to a few terms first off we're getting rid of the players health insurance plan. Second anytime Crosby has the puck you are the get down on one knee and bow to him. These are both reasonable demands to allow you to play for your home countries. These steps will allow us to save the money that the Olympics cost us "Laughs again".