Canada could audition non-NHLers for Olympics in Russia exhibition games
While NHLers won't be headed to the Olympics, that won't stop Hockey Canada from getting a look-see at who could wear the Maple Leaf in their stead.
Hockey Canada has been in talks with the Russian Ice Hockey Federation and the KHL about holding a series of exhibition games, CEO Tom Renney confirmed to Tim Wharnsby of CBC Sports.
With NHL talent being withheld from the upcoming Winter Games in South Korea, the games would be used as an audition for players outside the league to represent their country, primarily Canadians playing pro in European leagues.
Related: Projecting the defending champion's 2018 Pyeongchang roster
In April, Commissioner Gary Bettman announced the NHL would not participate in the 2018 Games held in South Korea.
The NHL had previously sent players to past Olympics in Sochi, Vancouver, Turin, Salt Lake City, and Nagano.