The NHL has long been hesitant to allow its star players to participate in the Olympic Games, but recent developments indicate a significant change in strategy. This shift is not driven by nostalgia but by a calculated business decision to enhance the league's global visibility. As the best hockey players arrive in Milan, the logistics of their travel indicate a careful and meticulous approach by the NHL to ensure everything goes smoothly, a reflection of their more assertive positioning in international sports.

The arrival of NHL players in Milan is not just a symbolic act; it signals a new chapter in which the league aims to strengthen its brand on a global stage. The NHL has watched as other major American sports leagues such as the NFL, NBA, and MLB have successfully expanded their international reach. This time, the NHL is determined not to be left behind and is instead seizing the opportunity to showcase its premier talent at one of the world's most prestigious sporting events, thereby aiming to captivate both existing fans and potential new audiences worldwide.

This development has significant implications not only for the NHL's business model but also for the sport of ice hockey as a whole. By participating in the Olympics, the NHL is betting on the potential for increased popularity and interest in ice hockey globally, hoping to inspire a new generation of fans. The hope is that the Olympic stage will provide the exposure necessary to promote the sport beyond the confines of North America, thus enhancing the league's brand and profitability in the long run.