However, it doesn't mean that some players will see their season end on April 29th. As usual, the World Championship will begin a little bit after the start of the playoffs in the NHL.
We know that players love to represent their countries and they will have an opportunity to do so. However, in the cases of Atkinson and Hayes, they could possibly decline the invitation. They both had some rough moments this season due to injury and they could benefit from a long summer to be back at 100% in October. Same thing for Carter Hart...