International hockey will experience a historic moment in 2026 with the participation of NHL players in the Winter Olympics in Milano Cortina, following the agreement signed on Wednesday between the NHL, the NHLPA, the IOC, and the IIHF. It will be the first time since 2014 that the big names of the North American league will compete on the world’s biggest sporting stage.
The agreement, which also opens the door to the presence of players at the 2030 Games in the French Alps, represents a key step forward after two Olympic editions without NHL representation. This milestone joins the one that will take place in Los Angeles in 2028, when NFL stars will have the opportunity to become Olympians for the first time thanks to Flag Football, which has been included as a new Olympic sport. The IOC has done it again… just as it did with golf and NBA stars…
A luxurious preview at the 4 Nations Face-Off
Excitement for the return of NHL players to the Olympic Games skyrocketed after the recent 4 Nations Face-Off, where Canada defeated the United States, Finland, and Sweden in a thrilling final decided in overtime by Connor McDavid. The tournament, held in Boston, offered a preview of the level and intensity expected in Milan.
NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman emphasized that Olympic participation will showcase the talent of the world’s best players on a global stage, in collaboration with the IIHF, the NHLPA, and the IOC.
Absences and disputes in previous Games
The absence of NHL players from the 2018 and 2022 Games was due to logistical issues and disagreements between the league and the IOC. Injuries suffered by several stars in Sochi 2014, coupled with a lack of agreement on insurance and travel costs, led the league to not release its players for subsequent editions.
The IIHF even offered $20 million to cover the costs, but the risk of injury and the lack of consensus prevented participation. Bettman has repeatedly pointed out that player health is one of the teams’ main concerns.
NHL schedule and Russia’s situation in 2026
Holding the Games in the middle of the NHL season will force a break in the regular season, which will mean an adjustment to the schedule when the competition returns. This measure will allow national teams to have their best players in Milan.
On the other hand, Russia will not be able to participate in the 2026 Games due to the extension of doping sanctions that also affect Belarus. This leaves out historical figures such as Alex Ovechkin, who will see the door closed on the fight for Olympic gold.
The agreement signed includes an extension of the NHL and NHLPA collective bargaining agreement through the 2029-30 season. In addition, with the 2034 Winter Games scheduled for Salt Lake City, the league’s intention is to maintain the international participation of its stars in the future.
