Historic Agreement Brings NHL Players Back to the Olympics

In a landmark decision finalized at the International Ice Hockey Federation (IIHF) headquarters in Zurich, the NHL, NHL Players’ Association (NHLPA), and International Olympic Committee (IOC) have confirmed that NHL players will compete in the Olympic Winter Games Milano Cortina 2026. This marks the first Olympic appearance for NHL athletes since the Sochi 2014 Winter Games, ending a 12-year absence.

The agreement also paves the way for NHL player participation in the 2030 Winter Olympics, set to be held in the French Alps, though that inclusion remains pending final negotiations.

Official Reactions from Key Stakeholders

“This is a tremendous day for international ice hockey and for fans across the globe,” said IIHF President Luc Tardif. “Bringing the best players in the world back to the Olympic Games Milano Cortina 2026 is a major step forward for our sport.”

NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman echoed the excitement: “Olympic participation will showcase the skill and talent of NHL players on an international stage. We are proud to collaborate with the IIHF, NHLPA, and IOC to bring the best hockey players in the world to the Olympics.”

IOC President Kirsty Coventry praised the outcome, saying: “This agreement will lead to the participation of all the best ice hockey players of the world in Milano Cortina 2026 and the 2030 Winter Games. All the parties involved should be commended.”

Marty Walsh, Executive Director of the NHLPA, added: “Best-on-best international tournaments like the Olympics provide the opportunity to create extraordinary moments. The return to the Olympics marks a monumental moment for hockey.”

Key Tournament Details

• Men’s Ice Hockey Tournament Dates: February 11–22, 2026
• Venues:
  • Milano Santagiulia Ice Hockey Arena
  • Milano Rho Ice Hockey Arena
• Ice Surface: NHL-standard rink size — 200 ft x 85 ft
• Team Submission Deadlines:
  • Oct 15: Preliminary rosters (42 skaters + 5 goalies)
  • Dec 31: Final rosters (22 skaters + 3 goalies)

Teams may update rosters before the tournament starts in case of injuries. All players will be subject to Olympic drug-testing rules.

Group Stage Breakdown – 12 Teams, 3 Groups

• Group A: Canada, Switzerland, Czechia, France
• Group B: Finland, Sweden, Slovakia, Italy
• Group C: United States, Germany, Latvia, Denmark

Each group winner and the best second-place team will advance to the quarterfinals directly. The other eight teams will compete in a qualification round for the remaining spots.

Tournament Schedule Highlights

• Quarterfinals: February 18
• Semifinals: February 20
• Bronze Medal Game: February 21
• Gold Medal Game: February 22 (at Santagiulia Arena)

Leadership at the Signing

From left to right in the official signing photo:

• Back: Matti Nurminen (IIHF), Ashley Ehlert (IIHF), Brianne Camilleri (IOC), Pierre Ducrey (IOC)
• Front: Bill Daly (NHL), Petr Briza (IIHF), Luc Tardif (IIHF), Rob Zepp (NHLPA)

Olympic History of NHL Players

NHL players previously competed in five Olympics:

• 1998 Nagano: Gold – Czechia
• 2002 Salt Lake City: Gold – Canada
• 2006 Torino: Gold – Sweden
• 2010 Vancouver: Gold – Canada (Sidney Crosby’s “Golden Goal”)
• 2014 Sochi: Gold – Canada

They missed the 2018 and 2022 Olympics due to league and health-related decisions.

Looking Ahead to 2030

While not guaranteed, NHL Deputy Commissioner Bill Daly expressed optimism about 2030 participation: “We expect to be there, but that’s a whole different negotiation.”

The current agreement also improves NHL commercial rights, guest arrangements, and access to Olympic content, marking a step forward from past deals.

Global Growth for Hockey

With this agreement, the IIHF, NHL, and NHLPA reaffirm their commitment to growing hockey globally, using the Olympic Games as a platform to inspire a new generation of athletes and fans worldwide.

Preparations are now in full swing, with each national team announcing six initial players for their preliminary rosters. All eyes are on Milano Cortina 2026, where the world’s best will once again battle for Olympic glory.