Connor McDavid criticizes Gary Bettman following the exciting World Baseball Classic.

The game featured a dramatic showdown between two teammates and baseball's best players, Shohei Ohtani and Mike Trout, highlighting the excitement and importance of international baseball. However, NHL agent Allan Walsh has questioned why there isn't a comparable moment for hockey.

Unlike baseball, NHL players have been unable to participate in international competitions due to the efforts of NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman.

Since 2010, NHL players have been barred from the Olympics, and even the World Cup of Hockey in 2016 failed to capture the true essence of best-on-best international hockey. This is a result of Bettman's decision to prioritize the concerns of team owners and General Managers over the desires of players and fans, who want to see the best players compete at the highest level.

According to Walsh, this selfish stance hurts both the players and the sport as a whole.

At 26 years old, Connor McDavid is widely considered as the top player in the world. However, he hasn't represented his country since the World Juniors Tournament when he was only 17. According to Walsh, this missed opportunity is a loss for everyone since it denies fans the chance to witness the thrill of the best-on-best competition. Furthermore, this absence is significant for both players and countries, as it helps to promote the growth of hockey worldwide.

McDavid spoke on the issue today during his press conference:

The high level of interest from both players and fans in international hockey, combined with the recent shift in power within the NHLPA, may create enough pressure for Bettman to step down and permit international play.

Credit: BLADEOFSTEEL.COM