Oilers News: The NHL Is Officially Going To The Olympics

Edmonton Oilers (Photo by Codie McLachlan/Getty Images)
Edmonton Oilers (Photo by Codie McLachlan/Getty Images)

The NHL announced today that they plan to go to the Olympics as they have reached an agreement with the IIHF. This will have some ramifications on the Edmonton Oilers this season.

The Olympics were something that the league was expecting, for the Oilers some players will go participate their countries.

I think everyone is excited to see Connor McDavid overseas representing Canada at the Olympics. Now that will be a reality this upcoming February as the NHL is officially going to the Olympics. For the Edmonton Oilers that means a few things.

Edmonton has a number of potential players that could go to the Olympics. From Connor McDavid to Leon Draisaitl, the Olympic roster definitely could have some great Oilers representing their countries. Every player will want to be at their best to earn a spot on the roster.

For Edmonton, the fact that the NHL is going on pause for much of the month of February for the Olympics means that the schedule will see some back-to-back games on different days and more three games in four days type of matchups. That is not the end of the world but it does make things a little tougher for the team.

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This will be the first time Connor McDavid gets to represent his country at the Olympics and it is going to be pretty exciting as he is destined to lead that team to victory. Gearing up for a postseason run having McDavid go to the Olympics will be a nice precursor for what is to come this summer and will give him some valuable experience for the postseason.

Obviously, whenever there is a big tournament like the Olympics one concern is injuries that players could sustain. But participation at the Olympics is something that all of these players want arguably just as much as winning a Stanley Cup. This February is going to be fun to watch for the Olympics!