Joe Sakic: 'Playing in Winter Olympics can improve hockey players'

Three-time Olympian Joe Sakic has stressed that playing in the Winter Olympics should be viewed as an opportunity and not a burden for NHL players.

It has been suggested that participation in Sochi could leave players fatigued for the resumption of the domestic season after the Games.

However, former Canada forward Sakic, who won gold in Salt Lake City in 2002, has fond memories of his Olympics experiences and has insisted that competing at such a high standard could even give the participating NHL star an advantage in terms of match sharpness.

"It's better to play," Sakic told the Denver Post. "I think it keeps you sharper, and the level of hockey you're playing that whole time, that can make you better. It's a great experience. I have great memories."

Sakic was inducted into the Hockey Hall of Fame in 2012 after a 21-year career with the Colorado Avalanche franchise.