Hockey fans reacted to the NHL’s policy reported to announce the team roster for the Olympics in June and December. TSN analyst Pierre Lebran posted an update about the issue on X (East Twitter) on Tuesday.
“Italy NHL Olympic update: The plan about Olympic Rosters is now planned for each country to name 6 players in June and at the end of their rest of the roster of December,” read the post.
Fans of NHL were not happy with the news. 2026 Winter Olympics are scheduled to be held from 6-22 February. With roster announcements so soon before, fans are concerned about players’ lapse and injuries.
A similar situation occurred during the recently concluded 4 nations, and fans were in a hurry to indicate it.
“Looks like they did not learn from 4 countries …” a user said.
“Will Russia play?” One more asked.
“What is the matter of naming 6 players?” A fan Asked,
“Why do they have to name the initial players? There is no surprise with these announcements. Most countries have 6 clear options and will not naming the players that no one has heard about.” Another fan Said,
“What does this mean, honestly? When you leave in early February, name the team,” still another fan Said,
“What is the matter of this ‘name six players’. This is nothing.” a user Said,
“Great. Another chance is a chance to choose a player, who really reveal the season very quickly (aka: in 4 nations).” fan Shared,
“What is the passion with people naming? Who cares?” Another user Asked,
NHL player to attend the Olympics after a decade long absence
Following the immense popularity of 4 countries face-offs, NHL players are already expected to join the calendar with Olympics and 2028 World Cup hockey in 2026 and 2030 in more best-on-win tournaments in the coming years.
Speaking at a press conference in February 2024, NHL Commissioner Gary Betman discussed why and how 4 nations came out.
“We wanted to do something, but we felt that we could not be ready for a fully developed World Cup in a year,” Betman said through NHL. “It starts us and puts us on a schedule that I think not everyone is just excited, but really comfortable.”
NHL players have not participated in the international level tournament since the World Cup hockey in 2016.
Edited by Crutik Jain
