WHAT THE PLAYERS SAY:

“I know some guys have been vocal about going regardless, but I’m not sure if I’m thinking quite that far ahead yet.” Sidney Crosby, Pittsburgh Penguins

“They crushed a dream.” Anton Stralman, Tampa Bay Lightning

“It is crap — that’s pretty much what I think. It’s going to do more damage to this sport than people realize, and whoever made that decision obviously doesn’t know what they are doing.” Erik Karlsson, Ottawa Senators

“If Russia need us, of course. It’s in the heart always for Russian people. But we will see — maybe they will let us go.” Evgeny Kuznetsov, Washington Capitals

“I loved going. It’s definitely something that’s disappointing that our guys won’t get a chance to do that going forward now.” James van Riemsdyk, Toronto Maple Leafs

“For some reason, for me, I feel like it’s going to happen. It’s going to come down to the very last minute for me to when I really believe we’re not going to go. It would really be very unfortunate if we weren’t able to go over there.” T.J. Oshie, Washington Capitals

“I have no idea if guys will go or not — that’s a personal decision — (but) I wouldn’t be able to go away from my team here. I couldn’t do it. That’s just personal. But everyone’s priorities are different. (Ovechkin) plays a big role on Team Russia. As for me, I’ve always liked the group that I’ve been with through the year. That’s my No. 1 focus.” Braden Holtby, Washington Capitals