Minnesota Wild’s Russian forward Kirill Kaprizov complained about the extended suspension of Russian hockey players from international tournaments. His words are quoted Athletic.
“Kucherov is already 30 years old and has never played in the Olympics, but he is one of the best players in the world. It’s hard for him and for everyone else. We got to watch on TV how other NHL players compete in international tournaments. The thought that we or my friends in Russia will never be able to play there again… It’s not fair,” Kaprizov said.
In February 2024, the International Ice Hockey Federation (IIHF) extended the suspension of the Russian national team. The organization stated that the IIHF Council will continue to monitor the situation and in May 2025 will consider the reintegration of the Russian and Belarusian national teams for the 2025/26 season.
In the spring of 2022, the IIHF decided to ban Russian players from participating in international tournaments, even with neutral status, and the organization also stripped Russia of the right to host the junior world championship in its home country in 2023.
Previously in NHL called for a return Russia is on the international stage.