An accord has been struck between the IIHF, NHL, and NHLPA, granting NHL players permission to play in the Winter Olympics taking place in Milan, Italy, in 2026, as well as in an unspecified location for the year 2030.
This decision marks the end of a decade-long absence of NHL athletes from the Olympic Games. IIHF President Luc Tardif expressed his satisfaction after years of negotiations: "We made it," he stated during the All-Star Weekend news conference.
The agreement comes with the condition that the IIHF and respective organizing committees will cover costs, such as travel and insurance, previously causing disputes between NHL teams and organizers.
Previous Olympic absences caused frustration among hockey players who grew up expecting to represent their countries on this global stage. The Olympics matter greatly to hockey players, according to NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman.
The NHLPA's Marty Walsh emphasized that this new era of international cooperation is crucial for the growth and development of hockey worldwide.
While Russian athletes are currently allowed to compete under a neutral flag in individual competitions, their participation in team events remains uncertain due to ongoing geopolitical tensions.
The final roster spots for both tournaments will be determined through qualification rounds starting in February 2023.
With this announcement, NHL players can look forward to the opportunity to represent their countries once again on the world's biggest stage. The league was initially set to return at the Beijing Olympics in 2022, but COVID-19 concerns caused them to back out of it.
Three-time MVP and acknowledged hockey great, Connor McDavid, has been a strong proponent for the Olympics' comeback.
The 2026 Olympics will mark a full circle moment for Sidney Crosby, who was notably left off the Canadian roster when Italy last hosted the Winter Games back in 2006, despite being just 18 years old at the time.
“For years, the players have embraced the opportunity to compete for Olympic gold, and we are excited that today’s announcement makes it a certainty for our members in the 2026 and 2030 Olympic Winter Games."
NHLPA Executive Director Marty Walsh
A Most Anticipated Collaboration
Russia's participation in both tournaments remains subject to IIHF decision-making based on geopolitical climate. Despite uncertainty regarding Russian involvement, the Olympic Games are set to bring together the best hockey talents from around the world once again.
Finnish players and fans will be defending their gold medal from Beijing after winning the most recent Winter Olympics.
The NHL's new agreement with the IIHF and IOC includes provisions for better content access and distribution of highlights and game footage. The IOC is expected to announce a host country for the 2030 Olympics later in the year, with France considered a strong contender.
The NHL's decision to allow players back into the Olympic Games represents an exciting development for fans of international hockey and is a significant achievement for both organizations. This renewed cooperation between the NHL, IIHF, and IOC opens up opportunities for more collaborative events in the future. The agreement also addresses concerns regarding the impact on the regular season schedule, as player absences will be planned well in advance to minimize disruptions.
We are pleased that today, after intense collaborative efforts with the NHL Players’ Association and the International Ice Hockey Federation, we can formally announce that NHL Players will participate in both the 2026 and 2030 Olympic hockey tournaments."
Gary Bettman
As the hockey community eagerly anticipates these upcoming international competitions, NHL players can look forward to again representing their countries with pride. The NHL's Olympic participation will contribute to fostering unity and camaraderie among hockey fans from all corners of the globe.
The Olympic Winter Games Milano Cortina 2026 will occur from February 6-22 at Milan and Cortina d'Ampezzo, Italy. The 2030 Games have yet to be scheduled.
This collaboration between the hockey world's leading organizations sets a positive precedent for future international events and strengthens the bond between hockey and the Olympics.