The NHL is back in the Olympics, according to reports from TSN and Chris Johnston. This marks the league’s return to the games since 2014, and it comes as exciting news for hockey fans around the world.
The announcement of the NHL’s return to the Olympics will coincide with the unveiling of the long-rumored Four Nations Tournament, set to take place in Milan in 2026. The tournament will feature national teams from the United States, Canada, Sweden, and Finland, and it is expected to be a thrilling competition.
These moves are part of the NHL’s efforts to expand its presence on the international stage. League commissioner Gary Bettman has expressed his desire to bring back international play, and the Four Nations Tournament and the 2026 Olympics are just the beginning. Bettman envisions a grand plan for international best-on-best play, with the Hockey World Cup set to make a comeback in 2028. The goal is to alternate the World Cup and Olympics every two years, creating a regular schedule of top-level international hockey.
The NHL’s relationship with the Olympics has been somewhat tumultuous in recent years. The league was unable to reach an agreement with the International Ice Hockey Federation (IIHF) and the International Olympic Committee (IOC) to participate in the 2018 Winter Olympics in Pyeongchang, and they also pulled out of the 2022 Beijing Winter Olympics due to the COVID-19 pandemic. However, it seems that the NHL is now committed to being a part of the 2026 Games and future international competitions.
There were some concerns about the NHL’s participation in the 2026 Olympics, as construction had not yet begun on the arena needed for the Games. However, it seems that these issues have been resolved, and the league is fully committed to showcasing its top talent on the global stage.
The NHL’s push for global play is an exciting development for both players and fans. International competition allows players to represent their countries and compete against the best in the world, while fans get to witness high-stakes games and rivalries on an international scale. With the return of the Olympics and the introduction of the Four Nations Tournament, hockey fans have a lot to look forward to in the coming years.
Overall, the NHL’s return to the Olympics is a positive step for the sport and its international growth. It solidifies the league’s commitment to international play and provides players with a platform to showcase their skills on a global stage. As the NHL continues to expand its presence worldwide, fans can expect even more exciting international competitions in the years to come.
