Karlsson calls Olympic decision 'crap,' won't say if he'll defy NHL and play

Erik Karlsson didn't hide his frustration over the NHL's decision not to take part in next year's Olympics.

The Ottawa Senators star defenseman politely declined to comment when asked if he would play for Sweden regardless and had a one-word answer when asked what he thought of the decision, according to ESPN's Craig Custance.

"Crap," Karlsson said after a loss to the Detroit Red Wings on Monday night.

"I don't understand the decision," he added. "We have no say in the matter, it's very unfortunate for the game of hockey around the world that they're going to do this to the sport. I think it's going to hurt a lot if we don't end up going. Whoever made that decision obviously had no idea about what they're doing."

Senators owner Eugene Melnyk said last month that Karlsson would get a "flat no" from him on participating in the 2018 Games in Pyeongchang, South Korea if the league decided not to officially go, which it did Monday.

Some players have expressed a desire to play regardless, and the NHL is reportedly telling teams not to discuss individual participation with their players before the league rules on the matter.