Bill Daly keeps Russia question alive for 2028 World Cup of Hockey
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Bruce Raymond
Mar 18, 2026 (3:54 PM)
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Photo credit: Lucas Peltier-Imagn Images
Bill Daly says Russia's World Cup of Hockey future is still uncertain, with the ongoing situation in Ukraine continuing to shape the conversation.
The NHL and NHLPA have confirmed the 2028 World Cup of Hockey for February. Calgary, Edmonton, and Prague will serve as host cities for the event.
That alone makes this a major story.
The tournament is expected to feature eight national teams and bring back true best-on-best play. For hockey fans, that is the part that naturally grabs attention first.
Still, one question remains in the background.
Russia's potential place in the tournament has not been settled, and Daly suggested that any return would depend on broader world events. That keeps the issue open, but far from decided.
His comments were measured.
Rather than closing the door completely, Daly indicated that Russia's participation would be tied to whether circumstances change between now and 2028. That leaves the league with time, but also a difficult file.
«I don't think we're out of sync with where the Finns and Swedes and Czechs are with respect to Russian participation,» Daly said. «It'll be available if certain things happen. And if certain things don't happen, they're likely not to participate.»
It is a hockey story, but not only a hockey story.
Bill Daly leaves Russia decision open for the NHL
A lot of fans will understand that balance, even if they do not all agree on what the final call should be.
From the league's side, the focus is clearly on building a strong international event. The format, the host cities, and the timing all point to a serious push for a major showcase.
The setup looks impressive already.
Calgary and Prague are expected to host pool play, while Edmonton is lined up for the semifinals and final. The tournament will run across 13 days and feature 17 games.
That gives the event real weight.
At the same time, the Russia question adds another layer to the planning. It is not just about talent, it is also about how participating countries feel and what the broader climate looks like closer to puck drop.
That is why Daly's wording matters.
He did not frame the decision as immediate, and that softer approach makes sense this far out. The league still has room to assess the situation as the tournament gets closer.
For now, the takeaway is simple.
The 2028 World Cup is coming into focus, but Russia's status is still unresolved. Until the picture becomes clearer, the NHL appears content to leave that conversation open.
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