Six Blackhawks chose to play a bit more hockey after being eliminated from the 2012 Stanley Cup playoffs by suiting up for their home countries in the IIHF World Championships.
Patrick Kane was not among them.
While Patrick Sharp and Duncan Keith put on the red of Canada, Sweden's yellow and blue was worn by three Hawks -- Viktor Stalberg, Marcus Kruger and Niklas Hjalmarsson -- and Michael Frolik earned a bronze medal for the Czech Republic, Kane decided not to play for Team USA.
Stay in the game with the latest updates on your beloved Chicago sports teams! Sign up here for our All Access Daily newsletter.
His decision didn't sit well with analyst Eddie Olczyk, who spoke about the topic on WSCR 670 The Score's McNeil and Spiegel Show Wednesday.
"I dont know if (it's) Patrick Kane being hurt, but this is the prioritizing or lack thereof to me as an alum of Team USA," Olczyk said. "These World Championships were really important for the seedlings going into the Olympics. I was very disappointed that he didnt go and represent our country and try to help us get a better seed come Olympic time, but maybe there (are) some things that I dont know behind the scenes.
Do you agree with Eddie O? Should Kane have played in the World Championships before beginning his summer? Let us know your thoughts by commenting below.