The National Hockey League declared on Friday that its athletes will compete in the 2026 Winter Olympics in Milan.
The NHL withdrew its players from the 2018 and 2022 Olympics owing to COVID-19 and budgetary concerns. The NHL last competed in the Olympics in 2014.
Brad Marchand, the captain of the Boston Bruins, expressed his dissatisfaction with the 2021 decision in a very vocal manner. Before the deal was canceled, the now 35-year-old was set to compete for Team Canada at the Olympics for the first time.
He could get the chance now.
“The guys being denied the opportunity to compete in the last two Olympics was extremely disappointing.” After Bruins practice on Sunday, Marchand remarked, “I think it’s a great opportunity for the players – it’s a very unique opportunity for the guys.”
Best-on-best competition is a top focus for the NHL and commissioner Gary Bettman in the upcoming years. Instead of holding an All-Star game in 2024–25, the league will host a “4 Nations Face-Off.” The competition, which is scheduled to take place from February 12–20 in one Canadian city and one American city, will feature competitors from Canada, Finland, Sweden, and the United States.
An Olympic send-off for the players who ultimately earn a spot in the Milan games will take place during the 2025–26 season with an All-Star game.
“[The guys] certainly deserved it, in my opinion. Marchand remarked, “They’ve positioned themselves to be the greatest in the world at what they do.
Marchand is motivated to strive for a spot on Canada’s squad despite the fact that he will be 37 years old by the time of the next Winter Olympics.
It’s undoubtedly a big ambition, according to Marchand. “I will exert every effort to be present and ensure that I am in the best possible condition and position to attempt to be a member of that team.”