Avalanche legend's explosive comments on NHL's Olympic comeback has fans buzzing
Photo credit: DenverSports.com
Joe Sakic recognized and values the enthusiasm NHL players have for the chance to compete in the Olympics next season.
Sakic, who represented Canada in three Olympic Games, is beyond pleased to see the NHL participating in Milano Cortina 2026.
Sakic's latest comments on the upcoming Winter Olympics is quickly raising eyebrows.
Here's what Sakic, the Avalanche president of hockey operations, told NHL.com at the NHL Board of Governors meeting on Wednesday.
"It's been a long time. There was a time we didn't think we were going back as a league. So, for them to have that experience, I'm excited for them. I can't wait for them to get there and see what it's like." -Sakic
Dan Rosen from NHL.com writes that Sakic represented Canada at the Olympics in 1998 in Nagano, 2002 in Salt Lake City in which he won the gold medal, and 2006 in Torino.
Before 1998, becoming an Olympian wasn't even on Sakic's radar, as the NHL didn't allow its players to compete in the Olympics until the Nagano Games.
"So, when we had the opportunity, I mean, yeah, we were excited. It was, 'Let's get going, let's get on that plane and let's go." -Sakic
Many young players grew up dreaming of playing in the Olympics after watching their idols, like Sakic, represent their countries. But for those who entered the NHL after 2013-14 season, that opportunity hasn't been available, until now.
The NHL opted not to pause its season for the 2018 PyeonChang Olympics, and later scrapped plans to participate in the 2022 Beijing Games due to the ongoing effects and financial strain caused by the COVID-19 pandemic.
"I know we had the 4 Nations (Face-Off), and that and the World Cup, those are incredible, but there's something different about the Olympics when you get there and you experience the entire environment." - Sakic
Avalanche stars Gabriel Landeskog (Sweden), Nathan MacKinnon (Canada), Cale Makar (Canada), and Martin Necas (Czechia) were among the 72 players selected to the 12 preliminary Olympic rosters announced this month.
The remainder of the Olympics rosters will likely be announced in December or early January.
Sakic noted that it's fair to expect a higher level of play during the regular season, as players will be motivated to earn spots on their respective Olympic teams.
We should be in for an amazing NHL season.
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