When the 2026 Milan Olympics arrive, two of the New York Rangers’ top stars may find themselves sidelined from the premier international competition. NHL Deputy Commissioner Bill Daly suggested in an interview with The Athletic that Russia is unlikely to be allowed to participate in the next Winter Olympics due to its ongoing invasion of Ukraine.
“People are assuming, really, it’s kind of already been made unless there’s a drastic change in the course of events,” Daly stated. He noted that, similar to the Summer Olympics, where Russia was barred from participation, the same rule is expected to apply in the Winter Games.
This means that Igor Shesterkin and Artemi Panarin, who would undoubtedly be key players for Russia, will be left out. Additionally, they will miss the upcoming 4 Nations Face-Off in February, a tournament featuring Canada, Finland, Sweden, and the United States, marking the first best-on-best hockey event with NHL players since the 2016 World Cup of Hockey.
NHL players haven’t competed in the Winter Olympics since the 2014 Sochi Games. While Panarin played for Russia in the 2016 World Cup, recording two points (a goal and an assist) in four games before losing to Canada in the semifinals, neither he nor Shesterkin have represented Russia in the Olympics.
Daly also confirmed that the NHL intends for its players to participate in the 2026 Olympics, the 2028 World Cup of Hockey, the 2030 Olympics, and the 2032 World Cup. When asked about the possibility of Russia’s inclusion in the 2028 World Cup, Daly remarked, “We haven’t thought that far ahead because the situation is so dynamic. A lot will depend on where the international community stands on Russian participation. While that won’t be the only factor for us, it would likely be influential depending on the circumstances. I don’t want to rule anything out, nor do I want to commit to anything.”
