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“In my opinion, there are a lot of good players that don’t play in the NHL,” said defenceman Nick Plastino, who last year won a Finnish league championship with Patrik Laine before spending this season in the KHL. “But having said that, I think everyone wants to see NHL players at the Olympics. Of course there’s talent playing in the KHL and other leagues, but I don’t think it will be as exciting. I don’t think the ratings will be as high.

“I really can’t picture the Olympics without NHL players and I still think something will get done eventually.”

Plastino laughed if he had been heard from Hockey Canada yet — “even if they did call me, I don’t think I could go because I played in the past for Italy at the world championship in 2010 and 2012” — but said he was obviously open to the idea. For players like him, it would be the only opportunity to represent Canada.

It’s that reason why Plastino believes Canada could have a good roster, all things considered.

“If they called me, which they never would, of course I’d play. It would be an amazing opportunity,” said Plastino. “These guys are good hockey players. A guy like Kozun played in Lokomotiv and he’s a really good player. Don’t get me wrong, I would take nothing away from guys like Kozun or Talbot, but they’re playing in the KHL — not the NHL — for a reason.”

Still, the expectations would be the same. As Fucale joked, it doesn’t matter what the tournament is. Whether it’s the Olympics or the Spengler Cup or a game of street hockey, Canada is supposed to win the gold.

Anything less — even with lesser players — would be considered a disappointment.

“No matter what, Canada has good players all over the world, whether it’s in the NHL or in any other league,” said Fucale. “It would be hard to bet against Canada either way. I believe Canada has good players everywhere.”