The hockey world had mixed reactions about Cale Makar's Olympic decision

BarDown Staff

Nicholas T. LoVerde/Getty Images

On Thursday, Hockey Canada will announce the roster for the 2018 Winter Olympics.

Ahead of the announcement, there was speculation that Hockey Canada would extend an invite to Colorado Avalanche prospect Cale Makar. The 19-year-old defenceman just helped Canada win gold at the World Juniors (eight points for the tournament) and was named to the tournament All-Star team.

.@Avalanche prospect Cale Makar scores the first ever outdoor goal in the history of the #WorldJuniors to give @HC_WJC a 1-0 lead. pic.twitter.com/C4DkA2cR8n
— TSN (@TSN_Sports) December 29, 2017

Fans that were looking forward to seeing Makar possibly represent Canada at the Olympics didn't get their wish, though, as Darren Dreger reported he respectfully declined the opportunity.

Sources say Hockey Canada offered Dman, Cale Makar a spot on the Olympic team. However, it sounds like he has respectfully declined.
— Darren Dreger (@DarrenDreger) January 10, 2018

Just my two cents (CDN), FWIW: this kid is free to make any decision he feels is in his best interest as a freshman student-athlete. Whether it’s academic or developmental or sense of obligation to his college team or personal, it’s his call: https://t.co/0Orq9Q0XA9
— Bob McKenzie (@TSNBobMcKenzie) January 10, 2018

Obviously this comes as a shock to some and there were a lot of reactions from hockey fans once the news broke.

Probably due to the fact that he’s already missed a lot of time at UMass for the WJC and he wants to stay committed to his team. Can’t think of many other reasons
— Brendan (@BBaumken) January 10, 2018

He would likely be a 7th D, PP specialist and have a minimal role. Also, aside from hockey, he also is a student and is likely already behind in his classes due to WJC.
— SB (@drstanbrule) January 10, 2018

He'll would be lucky to get high single digits in ice time, if play at all. All in a low end Olympic hockey tourney. Topple that with at least 3 weeks of lost time playing meaningful hockey with his school just to sit in the press box. I have no problem.
— Mootz (@Mootz1977) January 10, 2018

why
— a (@RielIy) January 10, 2018

Who would do that?
— Dan (@danwernau) January 10, 2018

Guys in university and already missed a month cause of WJC I respect it.
— EnDLESSC4NUCK (@KoenPeterson) January 10, 2018

The comments here... It's a crappy tournament where he'd get little ice time. Go back to junior after WJHC and play top minutes, develop your game.
— Jordan Skowronek (@jtskowronek) January 10, 2018

Understandable since he's in school, can't lie though would've liked to see him there. Can't wait to see him in an Avs sweater!
— Tyler Stack (@TylerStack) January 10, 2018

How can you respectfully decline a Call up to represent your country?
— BrokeAssDigiDestined (@BeanPlayer) January 10, 2018

This Cale Makar news, I don't blame him. He hasn't played much in over a month and virtually no minutes 5 on 5. If he accepts invite, he again doesn't play much, no 5 on 5, single digit minute games and press box time. His time is better served actually playing in NCAA
— Malkin in the Middle (@MalkinInTheMid) January 10, 2018

If Cale Makar went to the Olympics for Team Canada, they'd play him as a No.7 D at 5v5 with PP minutes (similar to the World Juniors).

Makar prefers staying at UMass where he will play big minutes with Mario Ferraro. #Avs
— Brennan Klak (@nhlupdate) January 10, 2018

Reports that Cale Makar said no to Team Canada for the Olympics. Interesting.
— Will and Rye on Ice Podcast 🏒🥃 (@WillandRyeOnIce) January 10, 2018

Declined? Sounds crazy to me...hard to believe he has a better option than being a Canadian Olympian
— Mike Wood (@MikeWoodchuck05) January 10, 2018

As Bob McKenzie said, it's Makar's call and at the end of the day we should all respect his decision and wish him luck as he works towards a long and successful NHL career with future Olympic appearances.

(H/T: Darren Dreger)