Yzerman wants NHL participation By MIKE ZEISBERGER, SUN MEDIA

Win or lose in Vancouver, Team Canada executive director Steve Yzerman feels NHLers should be Russia-bound for the 2014 Winter Olympics.

In fact, Stevie Y said yesterday he would be willing to take part in negotiations that would help NHL players land in Sochi, Russia.

"Absolutely," Yzerman said. "I have my own opinion. I understand the league's concerns.

"But I think (the NHL's participation) is needed."

The NHL will not make an Olympic commitment beyond 2010 for a number of reasons, including injury concerns for the players, and games that will start in the early morning hours for those watching in eastern North America.

THE BIG STAGE

"The Olympics are in the middle of our season, but every four years I believe its worth making the exception," Yzerman said. "In my opinion, I believe it's the biggest stage in the world to sell our product. This event is there for us. We don't have to create the history. It's there."

Rene Fasel, president of the International Ice Hockey Federation, feels NHL commissioner Gary Bettman is shrewd by not directly addressing the issue until the Vancouver games are over.

"For sure," Fasel said. "As I said many times, this might be a negotiating tactic."

Fasel said games involving the U.S. and Canada in Sochi could be scheduled so that, within reason, North American TV markets could be accommodated.

"I know some owners might not want to go," Fasel said. "But for the game of hockey, to have the best players there is so important. If (NHLers) don't come, it would be a big mistake."

Fasel, meanwhile, said their has been little progress made in attempting to reach a transfer agreement with the Russian hockey federation.

"There are bad feelings on both sides," Fasel said. "From the North American side, (Alexander) Radulov (leaving Nashville) for Russia. And for the other side, for Evgeni Malkin and Alexander Ovechkin leaving Russia. They were under contract there at the end. It is my goal to get an agreement."

Fasel and Yzerman were at the Hockey Hall of Fame to promote Molson Canadian Canada Hockey House, a 81,000 square foot facility in Vancouver.

It is there where Olympic players can see their friends and families and where fans will enjoy live music such as The Barenaked Ladies and have the chance to meet some great players of the past.

MIKE.ZEISBERGER@SUNMEDIA.CA