I guess context is important in this scenario, some of the players may have been ok with actually traveling on the evening of the 26th as opposed to arriving really late (4 am) on the 27th but that might not be everybody.
What has become a trend with the NHL, as it's unique in that no team activities over 3 full days, as that a lot of players, their wives and girlfriends will go somewhere for Christmas, usually a warm destination.
If a bunch of them are chartering a private plane, leaving after the game on the 23rd and than expecting to fly into their home city late on the 26th, hoping for a quick practice and a game day travel on the 27th.
Some players, perhaps notably, lesser known, less wealthy and powerful players may be ok with chilling at home for a few days and traveling but others may not. If your a marquee player who has a family and or a rocket for a wife/girlfriend and your beach vacation got cut short, it will be an issue.
A somewhat related incident happened years ago with the Edmonton Oilers. They were in their usual, massive slump of losses. The coach approached fresh 18 year old Captain McDavid about practicing on a CBA mandated day off and he said "sure, let's work on stuff" A lot of players were not happy and voiced their displeasure directly to the media. Players with families, family coming to town, players who are in relationships etc.
Just because something works for somebody doesn't mean it works for everybody. It's always best to just follow the rules.
This is the first time I have heard of a team flying in what is in essence, the evening of the 26th. There will be pushback from the NHL players on this for sure.
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