Ovechkin, Team Russia's captain at the World Cup of Hockey 2016, said Thursday that he plans to represent his country in the next Winter Olympics regardless if the NHL and NHLPA agree to participate.
"I'm going to play," Ovechkin said.
Crosby, Team Canada's captain at the World Cup, wouldn't take the bait when asked Saturday if he would declare the same thing.
"I haven't thought that far ahead and I don't know what the situation is going to be at that point, but I'm definitely not going to declare that right now," Crosby said. "Kind of wait and see what happens. But if [Ovechkin] feels that strongly about it I don't have a problem with that. If he wants to represent his country and be there that's his choice."
Crosby did say that he would want to play in the Olympics again if given the opportunity. He has won the gold medal in the past two Olympics with Canada, including scoring the overtime goal in the gold-medal game at the 2010 Vancouver Olympics.
"It's pretty special. It's a unique experience," Crosby said. "Obviously looking back on the two I've been a part of it's been a really great experience. When you win it's always better, but I think the whole feel of an Olympics, being part of that was a great experience."
NHL Deputy Commissioner Bill Daly said last week that there has been "radio silence" in the negotiations for future Olympic participation between the NHL, NHLPA and International Ice Hockey Federation. Daly said he expects discussions to pick up during the World Cup.
via NHL.com.
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