The issue is Russia's eligibility. Russia has been on the string for a while now whether or not their country can participate. Well, they got their answer.
Bill Daly, the NHL Deputy Commissioner, announced that Russia will not be able to participate in the Four Nations event, as the Russia/Ukraine conflict is still happening, in an interview with The Athletic.
This means that stars like former Blackhawk and current Ranger Artemi Panarin, Igor Shesterkin, and more talent born in Russia aren't going to play.
They were also banned from the 2026 Winter Olympics.
It's a shame that both Panarin and Shesterkin won't be able to represent their country, as they're two incredible talents on the ice.
POLL | ||
12 SEPTEMBRE | 108 ANSWERS Rangers' Artemi Panarin and others banned from 2026 Winter Olympics Should Russia be able to participate? | ||
Yes | 30 | 27.8 % |
No | 78 | 72.2 % |
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