An average NHLer would never even dream of playing in the Olympics unless he is from a weaker country like Slovenia or Denmark. For a Canadian or an American, unless you're the best of the best, there's no way in hell you'll ever sniff such a legendary event.
Except if you're a hockey professional in the year 2018.
A quick glance at the free agency thread leads me to believe some players like Cody Franson, Sam Gagner, David Desharnais, Jakub Kindl, Viktor Stalberg, Ron Hainsey, etc would be pretty darn smart to sign a 1-year deal in Russia or Germany in order to be eligible to participate in the Olympics.
Would be odd to see someone like Crosby or Stamkos flee the NHL, but for a random 3rd/4th liner to sign a 1-year deal for a chance at the Olympics? Yes, sir!
If you're a bottom-line role player slated to become UFA this summer, do you take a 500k deal in Switzerland for a chance to don your country's jersey at the Olympics?
Except if you're a hockey professional in the year 2018.
A quick glance at the free agency thread leads me to believe some players like Cody Franson, Sam Gagner, David Desharnais, Jakub Kindl, Viktor Stalberg, Ron Hainsey, etc would be pretty darn smart to sign a 1-year deal in Russia or Germany in order to be eligible to participate in the Olympics.
Would be odd to see someone like Crosby or Stamkos flee the NHL, but for a random 3rd/4th liner to sign a 1-year deal for a chance at the Olympics? Yes, sir!
If you're a bottom-line role player slated to become UFA this summer, do you take a 500k deal in Switzerland for a chance to don your country's jersey at the Olympics?
