The first game of the 2022 Winter Olympics men's hockey tournament is scheduled for Feb. 9. It's still not certain that NHL players will be competing in the Beijing Games.
Here's a look at the issues, concerns and challenges facing the NHL and the players just two months away from the Olympics, as the COVID-19 pandemic continues to loom over everything, courtesy of ESPN NHL reporters Emily Kaplan, Kristen Shilton and Greg Wyshynski.
When does the NHL have to make a final call about the Olympics?
Emily Kaplan: When the NHL and NHLPA came to an agreement with the IOC and IIHF about player participation in the Olympics, they added in a caveat: The NHL side has until Jan.