NHL, NHLPA expected to make Olympic decision in 'coming days'

Elliotte Friedman joins Sportsnet Central to discuss the expected news that the NHL will most likely not be going to the Olympics, the elimination of cross border travel and if they will be able to play all 82 games on the schedule.

In the wake of several league postponements caused by COVID-19, the NHL and NHLPA are actively discussing the matter of player participation at the Beijing Winter Olympics, and expect to be able to announce a decision in the "coming days," the league announced in a statement on Sunday.

When the agreement was reached between the NHL and NHLPA for players to participate in the Winter Games, it included a clause that allowed the league or players to withdraw if virus circumstances changed for the worse or if the schedule was interrupted by postponements that caused the league to need the Olympic break for rescheduling purposes.

Teams across the league are currently dealing with COVID-19 outbreaks, in large part causing the 27 games postponed as of Saturday and at least 12 more that will be postponed through Dec. 23.

The NHL has until Jan. 10 to withdraw from Olympic participation without financial penalty.

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