With the announcement from NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman and NHLPA Executive Director Marty Walsh regarding the World Cup of Hockey’s return in February 2028, it is clear that the landscape of international hockey is undergoing a significant transformation. The commitment to include NHL players in the 2026 Winter Olympics signifies not only a revival of best-on-best formats but also a palpable excitement among fans, players, and organizations alike.
Hockey enthusiasts have eagerly awaited the return of NHL players to international competitions since their absence from the Olympic games after 2014 and the World Cup of Hockey, which last took place in 2016. This dry spell has left many top players, including stars like Connor McDavid and Auston Matthews, yearning for the opportunity to don their national jerseys during the prime of their careers. Bettman’s assertion that the recent “4 Nations Face-Off,” which featured teams from the U.S., Canada, Finland, and Sweden, is merely a “sampler” serves as a promising indicator of the thrilling tournaments to come.
The forthcoming World Cup is expected to be a vibrant showcase of national pride and elite-level talent. Bettman expressed his enthusiasm, saying, “We couldn’t be more excited about making a reality: Olympics, World Cups, Olympics, World Cups on a regular schedule of the best hockey players in the world representing their countries.” This statement reflects a revival of the sport’s spirit and a recognition of the importance of international competition in hockey’s global narrative.
As the NHL prepares to open bids for hosting the 2028 World Cup, it also expands its geographical horizons by considering European cities as potential venues. While the exact format of the tournament remains under discussion, Bettman anticipates the inclusion of at least eight teams. Notably, unlike the previous iteration in 2016 that featured amalgamated teams such as Team Europe, the upcoming tournament will emphasize national representation, allowing fans to witness teams filled exclusively with players from individual countries.
However, a significant layer of complexity surrounds this exciting initiative: the status of Russia in the international hockey community. Following the geopolitical tensions stemming from the invasion of Ukraine, the IIHF has imposed a ban on Russian teams participating in international play. As of now, this ban has been extended until the 2025-26 season, raising critical questions about the future of Russian hockey and its ability to participate in events like the World Cup and the Olympics.
The NHLPA has expressed solidarity with Russian players who are eager to return to the international scene. Walsh highlighted that Russian players have voiced their desire to compete, emphasizing the need for separation between their athletic aspirations and the political issues surrounding their country’s actions. While Walsh champions the inclusion of these players, he acknowledges that political tensions complicate matters. “The issues are political… it’s the world politics that we have to get through,” he noted, thus shining a light on the broader implications of international sporting events.
NHL Deputy Commissioner Bill Daly’s comments reveal that the league’s position often aligns with other international governing bodies. To reinstate Russia’s participation in hockey events, he indicated that a meaningful change in the current political climate would be necessary. This multi-faceted situation reveals how the dynamics of international relations intersect with sports, posing challenges to the very essence of competition.
The announcement of the World Cup of Hockey marks a significant milestone in the evolving relationship between the NHL and the NHLPA. As they approach negotiations for a new collective bargaining agreement set to be finalized before September 2026, Bettman expressed optimism about reaching an agreement with fewer contentious issues. The newfound collaboration between the NHL and NHLPA underlines the importance of teamwork in achieving not just organizational goals, but also in promoting the sport on a global stage.
The return of the World Cup of Hockey signals an exciting chapter for the sport. With players eager to represent their countries and organizations committed to improving international play, the foundation for a vibrant future of hockey is being laid. As the world of hockey prepares for this revival, fans can look forward to thrilling competitions that embrace national pride and exceptional talent. The journey towards 2028 is not just about the games; it is about uniting the hockey community through shared experiences and aspirations.