Donald Trump has been a busy man ever since returning to the White House. The POTUS has held several dialogues with global leaders and made numerous key decisions. However, on the hockey front, he caught the attention of the community after his recent discussion with Russian President Vladimir Putin. But even as the two leaders made a new revelation that affects the NHL, Russia continues to remain sidelined from the global hockey scene.

Yesterday, it was reported that Trump and Putin discussed a U.S.-Russia hockey series between NHL and KHL players. In a move that is set to improve the ties between the two nations, Trump backed Putin’s idea of staging a hockey series between the players of the two leagues.

Subsequently, the NHL released a statement on this matter, saying, “We have just become aware of the conversation between President Trump and President Putin. Obviously, we were not a party to those discussions, and it would be inappropriate for us to comment at this time.” However, there has been no reprieve for Russia on the global hockey stage.

Earlier this year, the IIHF announced that Russia and Belarus will continue to remain banned from international hockey tournaments for the 2025-26 season. The federation “believes it is not yet safe to reintegrate” both countries and this was the primary reason for the extension of the ban. As a result, this could also have major ramifications for the two countries with the 2026 Olympics in Milan not far away.

Elaborating on this subject, the IIHF said in a statement, “As the current security conditions do not allow the necessary requirements for the organization of tournaments guaranteeing the safety of all, the IIHF must maintain the current status quo until further notice.”  Amidst this, Russian star Alex Ovechkin has been quite outspoken due to his country’s ban on the international hockey stage.

Alex Ovechkin is disappointed to see his Olympics dream diminish

At 39, Ovechkin is at the tail end of his career. As a result, the upcoming Olympics in Milan next year would potentially be his final shot at winning an Olympic medal. However, with Russia’s ban looking to extend to next year, the legendary NHL star is not happy to see his Olympics dream dissipating.

During an interview, he revealed, “In theory, yes, but you see what is happening with our team now. They are not allowing us to participate in the World Championships or the Olympics, so I don’t know how this will all happen.”

Meanwhile, Ovechkin wants to continue playing despite his already long career. “Why do I need this, I have everything, I have enough of everything.’ But after three to four days of suffering like that, you get into a routine and realize that you still love this business. If I didn’t love it, I would have finished already,” he once said, reaffirming his love for and loyalty towards hockey.

Nonetheless, with the geopolitical tensions easing out a bit now, there is an expectation in hockey circles that Russia and Belarus’ ban could be lifted ahead of the Olympic Games. If this happens, it could pave the way for the likes of Ovechkin and other Russian NHL stars to have a shot at Olympic glory.