Russia’s participation in the IIHF World Championship has reignited discussions about the NHL’s future in the IIHF World Cup. With the league’s teams now eligible to compete in international tournaments again, the NHL faces a pivotal choice on whether to fully integrate its players into the event. The decision could reshape how top hockey talent balances club and country commitments, raising questions about scheduling conflicts and competitive depth. Fans and analysts are closely watching how the league will navigate this shift in global hockey dynamics.

Russia’s return to international hockey means the NHL has a World Cup decision to make  The New York Times