Two-time Olympic champion and former hockey star Alexander Kozhevnikov recently spoke with Socialbites.ca about the return of NHL players to the Olympic Games and voiced strong support for the move. He argued that having the NHL’s best players on Olympic rosters is essential for the sport’s prestige and the fans’ excitement, noting the substantial visibility and financial impact the participation could generate.
“Obviously it’s best to field the strongest possible team,” Kozhevnikov said. “That means the games will draw greater attention and larger audiences, which in turn boosts sponsorship and league sponsorships. We have competed in past Games, but the Canadians, in particular, have not brought the strongest possible Olympic lineup for years. Reigniting interest in the tournament benefits the sport as a whole.”
NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman confirmed that players from the league — widely regarded as the strongest in the world — will participate in the next two Olympic tournaments, scheduled for 2026 in Milan-Cortina and 2030 in a yet-to-be-finalized venue. Historically, NHL athletes appeared at the Nagano Games in 1998 through the Sochi Games in 2014. They sat out the 2018 Pyeongchang and 2022 Beijing Olympics due to ongoing negotiations between team owners and the players’ association. The decision to join the 2026 and 2030 Games marks a change in the league’s stance that evolved through the most recent collective bargaining agreement, reflecting a renewed commitment to Olympic competition.
Observers note that this move could have a broad impact on global hockey interest, especially in North America. For fans, the prospect of NHL stars returning to the Olympic stage promises compelling matchups, dramatic finishes, and a heightened sense of national pride. For clubs, it means balancing player workloads and managing the risk of injuries against the chance to showcase talent on the world’s biggest stage. Sports analysts point out that the Olympics often serves as a proving ground for players who may go on to longer NHL seasons, as well as a platform to build international brand loyalty for teams and leagues alike.
Industry voices emphasize that the return could spur youth participation and media engagement, as younger fans connect with the star power of Olympic competitions. The logistics are complex, but advocates believe the long-term benefits—greater tournament visibility, stronger broadcast deals, and enhanced league recognition—will justify the arrangement for the sport’s growth. In this landscape, the Olympics become a crucial chapter in the NHL’s broader global strategy, aligning the league with national teams in a shared pursuit of excellence.
In late coverage, Nikita Kucherov was highlighted for leading the NHL scoring race, underscoring the level of talent that could appear on Olympic rosters. The ongoing discussions around player participation continue to shape expectations for future Games, with fans and stakeholders awaiting official confirmations on rosters, scheduling, and broadcasting. Cited observers note that the return of NHL players to the Olympics would bring fresh momentum to the Games, rekindling interest among casual followers and deepening the sport’s footprint in North American markets.