Russia and Belarus have been largely banished from international competition since Russia invaded Ukraine in 2022. Instead, they both deferred to the International Olympic Committee, both clearly eager to avoid taking any sort of political stand. “We will follow what the international community is doing in terms of athletics,” Bettman said. The phrase “best on best” has become synonymous with the event now that NHL players are involved, but Russia remains the elephant that’s not in the room. Bettman said that won’t be a practice that makes its way to the NHL.

Source: International New York Times February 12, 2026 19:20 UTC