NHL players can play in 2026 Milano Cortina Olympics after deal gets finalized by hockey governing bodies

NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman discusses the upcoming playoffs and the future success of professional hockey on ‘Special Report.’

NHL players will be permitted to play in the 2026 Milano Cortina Olympic Games after a deal was reached Wednesday. 

The NHL, NHLPA, the International Ice Hockey Federation and the International Olympic Committee confirmed NHL players will be allowed, which was negotiated initially last year. 

This confirmation will now allow NHL players to participate for their countries in the Olympics for the first time since 2014. 

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Brandon Hagel of Team Canada reacts after a fight with Matthew Tkachuk of the United States (not in photo) during the first period of a 4 Nations Face-Off game at Bell Centre Feb. 15, 2025, in Montreal, Quebec.  (Andrea Cardin/4NFO/World Cup of Hockey via Getty Images)

"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 and make this happen in a way that benefits the game globally," NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman said in a statement.

Marty Walsh, the executive director of the NHLPA, added, "Best-on-best international tournaments like the Olympics provide the opportunity to create extraordinary moments for our players and fans alike. The return to the Olympics marks a monumental moment for hockey, and we thank our partners — the NHL, IOC and IIHF — for this collaborative process. 

"The skill and passion on display in Milano Cortina will build off the excitement of the 4 Nations Face-Off and continue our game's global growth."

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