The NHL All-Star Festivities brought the hockey community together in Toronto over the weekend. However, before the on-ice festivities began, there was some off-ice business to attend to. In a press conference held on February 2nd, the day of the skills competition, the NHL, NHLPA, IIHF, and IOC jointly announced the return of NHL players to the Olympics, bringing joy to Connor McDavid.
Expressing his excitement, McDavid stated, “Just the opportunity to do that is a dream come true. Obviously, I’ve been vocal about this. I feel like it’s important for hockey as we continue to try to grow our game internationally and at home. I think it’s a great thing.”
The absence of a best-on-best International Hockey Tournament featuring NHL players has been felt in the hockey world for a considerable time. The last time the NHL participated in the Olympics was in 2014 in Sochi, with previous involvements in Nagano (1998), Salt Lake City (2002), Turin (2006), Vancouver (2010), and Sochi (2014).
The return of NHL players to the Winter Olympics is met with excitement, recalling memorable moments like the Canada vs. USA Gold Medal Games in 2002 and 2010, particularly Sidney Crosby’s Golden Goal in 2010. Sidney Crosby expressed his enthusiasm, stating, “It’s great news. I mean, with all the uncertainty that’s been around it in years prior and just how great an experience that it is, I think it’s just awesome news.”
The participation of the best players in the Olympics enhances the global appeal of hockey, creating unforgettable moments that contribute to the growth of the sport. Notably, the resolution of media usage rights allows the NHL to leverage Olympic coverage on its platform, further contributing to the positive impact of this development.
The NHL’s commitment to sending players to the Olympics was established during the CBA negotiations, with the Memorandum of Understanding ensuring participation in the 2022 Winter Olympics. However, due to disruptions caused by COVID, the NHL opted out of the 2022 Games. NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman emphasized the significance of honoring the players’ desire for Olympic participation.
Sources indicate that the NHL had been eyeing the 2026 Winter Olympics in Italy as an ideal opportunity to showcase its players and the game on a global stage, with logistical considerations favoring this choice over the 2022 Games in South Korea and China.
Commissioner Bettman strategically approached negotiations, leveraging concerns about the readiness of the arena in Milan to address major sticking points. Key issues, such as insurance and travel expenses for players and their families, were resolved, with the IIHF and the IOC assuming responsibility for these costs.
The agreement marks the NHL’s return to the Olympics, fulfilling players’ aspirations, including stars like Connor McDavid. McDavid, who played a role in the Skills Competition revamp, expressed excitement about representing Canada in a best-on-best International Hockey Tournament at the Olympics, a stage he has long anticipated.
Connor McDavid expressed his excitement about the prospect of representing Canada in hockey against the United States at the Olympics, emphasizing the significance of the rivalry. Sidney Crosby, while expressing his desire to be part of Team Canada in 2026, acknowledged that earning a spot on the team requires effort and is not guaranteed.
The return of NHL players to the Olympics is a source of joy for many, with anticipation building for the best-on-best competition. The participation of Russian players remains uncertain. Nonetheless, one certainty is Connor McDavid’s eagerness to showcase his skills on the global stage, starting with the Four-Nations Faceoff and culminating in the 2026 Winter Olympic Games.
