The reason the Olympics was originally limited to amateurs was to keep the great unwashed from competing. It was an elitist organization for the rich and privileged. Well the organization still is and is a great money maker for the privileged few. Amateurism is a sham and pretty much always has been.
If the NHL won't go, the Russians will just send their players from the KHL, ditto for the Swedes and Finns and Czechs and their leagues. We'll have Boyd and any other pro rejects playing in Europe with maybe the odd junior hot shot and will be in trouble to qualify.
The Americans will be in better shape than Canada by taking a college team groomed for the tournament.
Having said all of that, I don't really care except the Russians or the Swedes or whoever wins will be bragging they're the best.
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