If still quite dark on the likelihood of players attending in 2018, Daly reiterated more optimism among owners on the Beijing Games in 2022. If players don’t attend the Pyeongchang Olympics the bye week will proceed next year, but in a different manner from this season. Instituted this season, the bye week was the NHLPA’s return on agreement to the three-on-three format for the 2016 all-star game. The proposed concept, which requires NHL Players’ Association approval, would allow the league to keep its product flowing without interruption and eliminate potential unfairness of the current system. Teams haven’t fared well generally in their exit from the bye week and the vast difference in timing of the rest period has caused concern.

Source: thestar March 08, 2017 18:31 UTC