Madden Monday: 'Never have liked' NHL players in the Olympics

NHL players will participate in the Olympics in 2026 and 2030. That announcement came from the league on Friday.

The hockey fan in me loves that news. Sure, give me great players on the ice all at once playing against each other with significant stakes on the line.

But the logical part of me hates the idea because the NHL season gets interrupted and the league’s star players are at risk of injury — sometimes even from their own club teammates who may be wearing the jerseys of opposing nations once the games begin.

During this week’s “Madden Monday” podcast, Mark Madden of 105.9 The X and TribLive took that same pragmatic approach when the topic of NHLers in the Olympics came up as a point of conversation.

“I never have liked it because I don’t like the season being interrupted,” Madden said. “I don’t like assets of NHL clubs — very highly paid assets — being put at risk for their countries with no compensation to the NHL teams if injury takes place.”

Something like that just happened with Madden’s favorite soccer team. Liverpool’s star player Mohamed Salah was recently injured playing internationally for Egypt.

Madden also isn’t a fan of all the flag-waving patriotism attached to the process either.

“I don’t like the notion that these guys are representing their country,” Madden said. “You want to represent your country, join the army. This is just a hockey tournament, and (1980 Team USA coach) Herb Brooks agreed with me. In fact, he said all that first, (just) not in so many words.”

Madden also predicts the situation with Russia might remain sticky as well.

“Unless Russia plays, it’s a meaningless tournament. I know everybody has their knickers in a twist over them attacking Ukraine. I don’t like to see sports and politics mix,” Madden said. “I mean, they’re the No. 2 hockey power ever besides Canada, and arguably No. 1. What kind of tournament is it if they’re not involved? The same goes for that phony-baloney 4 Nations cup they’re having next year.”

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In 2025, the NHL 4 Nations Face-Off will take place. It consists of seven games played over a nine-day period from Feb. 12-20. USA Hockey, Hockey Canada and the Finnish and Swedish Ice Hockey Associations will participate.

Madden says that event only has one redeeming quality.

“One good thing with both that tournament and the Olympics is they replace the All-Star game. The All-Star game is a farce,” Madden said.

When it comes to Sidney Crosby perhaps chasing another gold for Team Canada, though, Madden may have a soft spot there.

“The only time I root for Canada is when Sid is playing, and I would like to see him get another gold medal. So looking at it from his perspective, I’m happy,” Madden added.

Also, in the podcast, Madden and I discuss the Pittsburgh Penguins’ prospects as they return from the All-Star break.

We break down a potential trade return for Jake Guentzel.

And we analyze the Steelers’ hiring of Arthur Smith as offensive coordinator.