After having no NHL players involved in the 2018 Olympics, the IOC is looking to make a deal with the NHL and NHLPA for 2022. Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports

NHL players could return to Olympics as early as 2022

By Erin Walsh | Last updated 7/1/20

If you missed watching your favorite NHL players take the ice at the Olympics, then the latest development regarding players making a return to the rink for their native countries will make you happy.

According to TSN's Pierre LeBrun, NHL players could return to the Olympics in 2022 and 2026, provided the NHL and NHLPA agree to the proposed CBA extension.

If the NHL/NHLPA finalize things, if the players ratify it, and subject to negotiation with IOC, sounds like proposed CBA extension includes the NHL’s return to Olympic participation covering both 2022 and 2026. Which is
— Pierre LeBrun (@PierreVLeBrun) July 1, 2020

The International Ice Hockey Federation (IIHF) gave the NHL until August to declare whether or not they'd be participating in the 2022 Olympics, according to NBC Sports. IIHF president Rene Fasel asked for the NHL's answer before the final three nations qualify for the Olympic men's hockey tournament, which takes place in late August.

The NHL hasn't participated in the Olympics since the 2014 games in Sochi, Russia. Canada defeated Sweden in the gold medal game thanks to a roster that boasted the likes of Sidney Crosby, John Tavares, Jonathan Toews, Shea Weber and P.K. Subban. The United States, on the other hand, was defeated 5-0 by Finland in the bronze medal game.

The 2018 Winter Olympics were held in Pyeongchang, China and no NHLers were allowed to participate. The United States team included Chris Bourque, Brian Gionta, Ryan Donato, Jordan Greenway, Troy Terry and Bobby Sanguinetti, among others. Czech Republic defeated the US team 3-2 in a shootout in the quarterfinals.

Canada boasted a roster of Maxim Lapierre, Mason Raymond, Quinton Howden, Cody Goloubef and Ben Scrivens, among others. The Canadians came in third behind gold medalist Russia and silver medalist Germany.

The 2022 Winter Olympics will be held in Beijing, China and the 2026 games will be held in Milan and Cortina, Italy.

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