Insider explains what may happen to the NHL schedule if the league opts out of the Olympics

Amid concerns over COVID-19 outbreaks in Ottawa and Long Island, the NHL and NHLPA still have some decisions to make regarding what will happen with the NHL players going to the Olympics or what will happen during the 3-week break that is scheduled to occur during that time.

Per TSN's Pierre LeBrun, the NHL and NHLPA will have until January 10th to come to a decision on whether or not the NHL players will attend the 2022 Olympic Games in Beijing - but if, for one reason or another, the NHL opts out, some of the time over that 3-week break could be used to alter the existing NHL schedule and alleviate some issues relating to tougher scheduling for some teams.

LeBrun stated on Thursday that he believes that the players would still receive some sort of a break - likely one week off - during that time.

The goal at this point remains for the NHL players to attend the Olympic Games, and despite reports that the NHL does have the ability to step in and opt out of sending players to Beijing, the plan does not appear to be to pull the plug on Olympic participation.

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