Breaking: Crazy rumors that an entire country could boycott the first World Cup of Hockey.

Earlier today we reported that the National Hockey League was expected to ban former NHL defenseman Slava Voynov from playing in the inaugural World Cup of Hockey as a result of his indefinite NHL suspension stemming from a domestic abuse conviction. It now appears that the NHL's decision may have severe consequences.

Russian reporter Slava Malamud is now reporting that there may be a massive political showdown between the NHL and the Russian Hockey Federation over the banning of Voynov, who played for Russia at the most recent IIHF tournament. Furthermore Malamud has reported that he "wouldn't be surprised if Russia considered boycotting the tournament over Voynov" primarily because the country is not a fan of the tournament to begin with, and this would provide a convenient excuse in the Russian media.

A World Cup of Hockey without one of the world's best hockey nations would be a huge let down in general and especially for fans of Russian hockey, and would also bring into question the legitimacy of the tournament despite Russia not currently being viewed as a favorite to win it all.