Good for Alex Ovechkin. He spoke from his heart yesterday about his desire to play in the Olympic Games in 2014 in his homeland. He is the two-time reigning MVP. He speaks with passion and he cares deeply about the game and his country.
He is also emerging as a leader for the players and when he speaks, I am sure the league and the players listen.
So those games aren’t being played for almost another 4.5 years. There is plenty of time for the NHL and NHLPA to negotiate on this matter. The issue must be resolved within the context of league matters and a new collective bargaining agreement between the league and the players.
As I noted recently, my personal issues center around the Olympics schedule; safety for our players; insurance; and what it does for revenues for our league and hence the players. It isn’t like the Olympics are a free and non commercial effort. Someone makes a lot of money from our players and they take all of the risk and put in all of the effort.
Several folks have written to me about Alex’s comments. My response is simple. We love and respect Alex Ovechkin. He does everything with passion. He loves the game. He loves our team and our city and he is all about winning a Stanley Cup. We have his back and we will work together to do what is in the best interest of the game, the NHL and our team. Go check out the NHL store in NYC. Alex is the face of the NHL. He drove a Zamboni down Broadway for gosh sakes! If he wants to express himself on a matter that is personal to him, I am all for it. Much to do about nothing. Now let us all move on to the new season. Go Caps!
If there’s no agreement to participate in 2014 will you still be singing this same tune ?
Amen. Thanks Alex and thank you Mr. Leonsis.
Now let’s get on with the 2009-2010 season!!
Please commenter Jeff. While I admire Ovechkin’s desire to play for his country, Ted and company have a HUGE investment in the guy. He’s being paid big bucks to pay those “meaningless” games against the Panthers and Thrashers. As a STH, how would you like it if Ovechkin gets a season-ending injury at the Olympics, or worse yet, career ending. I certainly understand the NHL’s concern about this. It isn’t as simple a matter as you suggest. Not by any stretch.
C. A. P. S. CAPS. CAPS. CAPS.
Good for Alex. It’s a silly topic/debate, with all due respects to your points, Ted. Ov grew up the son of an Olympic gold-medal winning athlete. In 4.5 years, the Olympics will be in his homeland. He’s an official ambassador for his country. The Olympics and Russian spirit is in his blood. And the NHL wants, what, him playing meaningless February games against the Panthers and Thrashers? (If those teams exist in 4.5 years.) The only thing that will keep him away from those games is his health – if he’s healthy, he’s there. There’s no negotiation. I’m a Caps STH. And I applaud him. Some things are more important than money.
Amen.