Former NHL player Paul Bissonnette slams league schedule amid wave of Olympic-related injuries to top stars

The NHL is facing a mounting injury crisis just days before the Olympic break begins. Players across the league are dropping with injuries at an alarming rate, forcing multiple teams to make roster adjustments as they prepare to send their stars to represent their countries in Milan.

The situation has drawn sharp criticism from hockey media personalities, with former NHL player and current analyst Paul Bissonnette leading the charge against the league's scheduling decisions. Bissonnette did not mince words when addressing the issue on social media.

Paul Bissonnette blames NHL for this string of injuries

The Spittin' Chiclets podcast host questioned the wisdom of maintaining a full 82-game regular season schedule during a year when NHL players are participating in the Olympics for the first time since 2014. "Making these guys play 82 games in an Olympic year is a joke," Bissonnette said. "Guys are getting injured every game."

The former Coyotes forward offered a specific solution to address the problem. Bissonnette suggested reducing the regular season to 76 games in Olympic years, with teams playing four games against conference opponents and one game against teams in the opposite conference.

He also proposed reverting to a 1-8 playoff seeding format rather than the current divisional structure, arguing the change makes sense for Olympic seasons even if implemented temporarily. "Go back to 1-8 seeding in those years because it's the way it should be anyway but at least we get it every four years," Bissonnette said.

The criticism comes as several Olympic roster members deal with health issues heading into the tournament. Team Canada has already lost Anthony Cirelli to injury after the Lightning forward was hurt during Sunday's Stadium Series game, with Sam Bennett stepping in as his replacement.

Tampa Bay teammate Brayden Point remains week-to-week with a lower-body injury and his Olympic availability remains uncertain. Florida Panthers forward Brad Marchand and Washington Capitals goaltender Logan Thompson are both dealing with day-to-day injuries heading into the break.

Sweden has been hit particularly hard, with Boston forward Elias Lindholm and Colorado defenseman Devon Toews both sidelined. Team USA has concerns about defenseman Jaccob Slavin, who has been limited to seven games this season due to injuries.

The men's Olympic hockey tournament begins February 11, with Canada opening against Czechia on February 12. The mounting injury concerns have raised questions about whether the NHL schedule needs adjustment during Olympic years to protect player health heading into international competition.


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