The NHL has often said past Olympic participation hasn’t made a dent in its bottom line. I actually do believe that to some degree. The IOC reaps all the direct benefits, no question. But sometimes you have to do what’s best for the sport itself, even if it’s not the best thing for your business. Olympic participation is the most impactful way to grow the sport around the world. There will be massive eyeballs on the Beijing Olympics. The NHL must be there.

-Pierre LeBrun of The Athletic. LeBrun has more ($$$) on this topic including points of view from Bill Daly and Donald Fehr.