The NHL is ready to move past its Russia quandary. It’s not that easy

NHL deputy commissioner Bill Daly sparked controversy at the annual State of the NHL news conference in Raleigh, N.C., on Tuesday when he stated that the IIHF does not 'anticipate a problem' in reintroducing Russia to international hockey events. The comments, made alongside commissioner Gary Bettman during the Stanley Cup Final, raised alarms particularly among European stakeholders. The situation remains complicated for those involved in future tournaments such as the 2028 World Cup, as the NHL weighs the hockey benefits of having more marquee Russian talents available against broader geopolitical concerns.