Is Olympic Hockey Really the Best of the Best?

The answer for this years olympic games is no. Why? because the NHL is not participating. The NHL is without a doubt the highest level and most competitive hockey league in the world. Players from all over the world come to play in the NHL because of the competitive level and glory that comes with winning the championship. This year the NHL decided not to interrupt their schedule to allow players to represent their country in the olympics. As a result the players in the olympics are the best ones that couldn't or haven't yet made it to the NHL. Therefor, they aren't really each country's best athletes. Personally I think it is wrong that each country's best hockey players aren't competing for a gold medal because it does not fully portray which country has the best hockey team. Attached is an article about why the NHL decided not to participate.

https://www.nhl.com/news/nhl-will-not-participate-in-2018-winter-olympics/c-288385598