Zdeno Chara, David Krejci Head Back to NHL Ice

Sep 23, 2013; Boston, MA, USA; Boston Bruins left wing Milan Lucic (17) defenseman Zdeno Chara (33) and center David Krejci (46) celebrate a goal during the third period against the Washington Capitals at TD Banknorth Garden. Mandatory Credit: Bob DeChiara-USA TODAY Sports

Krejci, Chara On Their Way to Boston

Zdeno Chara and David Krejci will not be eligible for an Olympic medal following their national teams’ elimination from the 2014 Sochi Olympics. Soon, both players will rejoin the Boston Bruins in practice with assistant coach Jeff Ward.

"“I know they’re back,” Ward said. “I think  Zee is coming back today sometime, Krech may be on the same flight, I haven’t heard about his travel arrangements. We’ll probably give them off until Sunday or Monday, give them a couple of days to recoup, they’ve been playing an awful lot of hockey and we want to make sure they’re well-rested for the game in Buffalo.”"

The Bruins’ should definitely benefit from Krejci and Chara having extra time to prepare for NHL play. They each had a sufficient amount of time with their respective countries at the Olympics. Although no longer in competition for a Sochi medal, they can get a head start on practicing for the B’s next opponent, the Buffalo Sabres, who have floundered as of late with a four-game losing streak.

The NHL has considered not even allowing players to participate in the Olympics. Is that view shortsighted? Does a player need to fundamentally have some sort of “hockey connection” to his home country? Well, this scenario with Krejci and Chara returning to NHL practice on American soil proves that time at the Olympics is strictly limited. While Chara arrived early for the flag-bearing ceremony, Krejci arrived about a week and a half ago. Several more players are coming back to the United States to practice with their professional squads.

Really, the path back to the NHL from the Olympics is quick and simple.