NHL will not send players to Beijing Olympics

It is worth noting that this has no relationship to the diplomatic boycott of China by Western countries. Commissioner Gary Bettman placed the blame on COVID-19.

"Given the profound disruption to the NHL's regular-season schedule caused by recent COVID-related events — 50 games already have been postponed through Dec. 23 — Olympic participation is no longer feasible," said an NHL statement.

More than 15 percent of NHL players are currently in COVID-19 protocol. This means they're self-isolating because they have COVID, or have been in close contact with someone who has.

"Certainly, the players and hockey fans are quite disappointed," said the head of the NHLPA. "But playing a full 82-game season this year, something the pandemic has prevented us from doing since the 2018-19 season, is very important."

"We expect that NHL players will return to the Olympics in 2026.?"

Earlier this month, Trudeau announced that Canada will not be sending any diplomatic representatives to the Beijing Olympic Games this winter.

Both the NDP and the Conservative Party urged the Liberal government to boycott the games.