NHL Players at the 2022 Olympics is a must for the growth of the game.
Even though it is currently summer of 2021 and we have yet to see the 2020 summer Olympic games due to the first ever Olympic games postponement, it is important for us hockey fans to keep a weathered eye on our horizon. Just over the hill of time we have a special bi-decade event waiting for us.
On February 4, 2022, the 2022 Winter Olympic games will begin. The event is being hosted in Beijing, China. The location is significant for hockey fans because China is an enormous and untapped market that the NHL could reach out to increase viewership. Hockey fans in China means more viewers and subsequently more revenue for the NHL.
More revenue for the league means more overall salary growth for players, staff, management, and ownership. It means a higher salary cap.
The NBA has seen a lot of its growth come from China in this way.
The NBA has been playing games in China since the 70’s. Since then eleven players from Asia have played in the NBA, including Yao Ming.
In terms of players from Asia in the NHL, there have only been three and they all played in the 80's.
According to the most recent CBA, NHL players will be allowed to participate in the 2022 winter Olympics. This means that we have the…