No Resolution for NHL at Sochi Games

While it's admirable that Alex Ovechkin has become an ambassador for the Sochi 2014 Winter Olympics, there's still a doubt as to whether he'll actually be playing in those games. That's because the NHL has not determined whether its players will participate -- and won't make that decision for a while.

NHL Deputy Commissioner Bill Daly has taken a neutral stance on the issue, delaying any official statement until after the Vancouver 2010 games. Bill Clement, in an interview with STC in February, also addressed the issue.

"Yes [the NHL should participate in the Olympics], because it is the greatest world stage for our sport. No, if it doesn't make sense logistically. Vancouver is a no-brainer. Russia in 2014? I'm not so sure. So much travel and so very taxing on the players asked to represent their countries."

With all of that being said, it's hard to imagine the NHL will not end up participating in the Sochi games -- given the Russian influence on the game and the impact players from that country have made, including two-time-MVP Ovechkin and reigning Conn Smythe winner Evgeni Malkin.

However, it might be a struggle before the issue is officially resolved.