2014 Sochi Olympics: NHL to enact freeze on trades, player break during winter games

In 2013, the NHL lost time from its regular season schedule due to a labor dispute. For a second consecutive season the league will halt operation. However, the context of the suspension will be far more enjoyable for fans.

The 2014 Winter Olympics are scheduled to begin the men's ice hockey tournament on Feb. 12 with a double-header featuring the Czech Republic against Sweden and Latvia taking on Switzerland. The tournament is expected to conclude on Feb. 23 with the gold medal game.

Renaud Lavoie tweeted an update of what this means for the NHL on Monday morning. The league's membership will give their players a break beginning on Feb. 9 and carrying through Feb. 18 with team activities resuming on Feb. 19. In addition, the NHL will be enacting a freeze on trades from Feb. 7 until Feb. 23, which spans the entirety of the Olympic Games.

Hockey Canada and USA Hockey will both be holding invitational camps next week.

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