NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman emphasized uncertainty Monday at the GM meetings in Florida regarding Russia's potential inclusion in the 2028 World Cup of Hockey. "We're going to see how things develop," he stated, noting no immediate urgency to decide. The tournament, set for February 2028 in Calgary, Edmonton, and Prague, would feature eight teams in a format Daly called "top-tier competition from day one." Russia's exclusion stems from the IIHF's ongoing ban since the 2022 Ukraine invasion, though the NHL isn't legally bound to mirror that decision.

The debate intensifies as three Russian-born stars—Nikita Kucherov, Kirill Kaprizov, and Artemi Panarin—rank among the NHL's top 20 scorers. Team Russia could field a powerhouse goalie trio including Vasilevskiy, Sorokin, and Shesterkin. However, political tensions persist, with Finland and others opposing Russian participation. The IIHF aims to reintroduce Russia and Belarus into under-18 competitions by 2027-28, a path the NHL may follow. NHLPA executive director Marty Walsh urged patience, calling Russian athletes "incredible hockey players" whose absence is purely political.

The World Cup's return marks the league's aggressive international expansion, alternating with Olympic participation every two years. Daly highlighted the event's competitive edge: "Here are only eight teams, not 12, so obviously the hockey got better as the Olympics progressed." The 2024 World Cup was canceled amid similar controversies, replaced by the four-team 4 Nations Face-Off, which boosted NHL revenue through USA-Canada rivalries. Bettman hinted at aligning with global sports trends: "I don't see any need for us to weigh in separately."

As of now, Russia and Belarus remain absent from international hockey, including the recent Winter Olympics in Milan. The IIHF's cautious reintegration timeline suggests 2028 could hinge on diplomatic progress. For now, the league awaits clarity, balancing athletic excellence with geopolitical realities.