The NHL announced an agreement with the International Ice Hockey Federation (IIHF) that confirms that NHL players will take part in the 2022 Winter Olympics in Beijing. The New York Rangers should be very well represented t the Games.
When the NHL announced the 2021-22 schedule, they included a lengthy break in February that would allow players to go to the Olympic Games. The players, as represented by the NHLPA, had been vocal in their desire to be allowed to play and this is the go-ahead that they wanted.
There is a caveat related to the COVID-19 pandemic. The agreement will allow the NHL/NHLPA to withdraw from the event if participation is deemed to be “impractical or unsafe.”
What it means for the NHL is that there will be a pause in league play for three weeks in February to allow for the All-Star weekend and the Olympic Games. Considering the travel requirements in getting to Beijing for the Games, it will be a very busy month for many of the league’s best players.
Which Rangers could go?
There are many players on the Rangers roster who could be selected to go to the Games. It’s a long list and it will be winnowed down as we get closer, but here are the possibilities.
TEAM CANADA
Alexis Lafrenière has a slim chance to make the team considering the firepower of Canadian players. If Team Canada is looking at team chemistry, they could consider taking Barclay Goodrow for his style of play. He may not be an all star, but he could be a solid complement to a star-studded squad.
TEAM USA
This team could be replete with Rangers. Adam Fox is a lock to be on the team while Chris Kreider, Jacob Trouba and Ryan Lindgren will have to get consideration. K’Andre Miller is an outside possibility to make the team. Kevin Rooney was on the team at the World Championships, but he will be surpassed by USA born players who couldn’t participate.
TEAM SWEDEN
Mika Zibanejad should be a shoo-in to make the team. Considering that Nils Lundkvist was named to the national team at the World Championships this year, he has to be considered to have a legitimate chance to make the team.
TEAM FINLAND
Kaapo Kakko has the best chance to make Team Finland, but it will require a good start to the season for him as the Finnish national team has a number of quality forwards. Tarmo Reunanen and Lauri Pajuniemi are two other Finns with the Rangers and could get the call, but that is doubtful.
RUSSIAN OLYMPIC COMMITTEE
Artemi Panarin should be a lock to make the team. Will Vitali Kravtsov play well enough in the NHL to get the call, probably not considering the talent on the team. Similarly, Igor Shesterkin will have to be lights out the first three months of the season to make a ROC team loaded in goal.
TEAM CZECH REPUBLIC
Filip Chytil has a good shot at making the team, considering that he was an important member of the Czech team at the World Championships.
Expanded rosters?
One question is whether the national teams will have expanded rosters due to COVID considerations. That is always a possibility and if so, it means that more players will be going to the Olympics than in the past.
Hockey at the Olympics has provided some memorable moments. It will be a great experience for all players who get to go, but considering the compact NHL schedule, it will take its toll on those players. While we should want to see as many Rangers as possible on the world stage, no one should feel bad if most of the team stays home, rests up and gets ready for the drive to the playoffs.