Bettman Supports NHL Return to Olympics in 2026

NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman attended the league’s season opener as the Florida Panthers, two-time defending Stanley Cup champions, hosted the Chicago Blackhawks to begin the NHL’s 109th season. During his visit, Bettman discussed several league topics, including the long-anticipated return of NHL players to Olympic competition next year.

Bettman expressed optimism about players representing their countries again at the 2026 Winter Olympics in Milan-Cortina, marking the league’s first Olympic participation since 2014.

“I think it’s going to be great,” Bettman said about the Olympic competition and the nearly three-week break in league play. “It’s important to our players. That’s why we’re doing it. Listen, there are lots of reasons that I’m never thrilled about taking a couple of week break in the season. Changes a lot of things. But on balance, I think it’ll be worth it, A) for the exposure, B) for the fan engagement, but C) and most importantly, this is and has always been very important to our players. And that’s why we’re doing this.”

League games will pause from February 6–24, 2026, to allow players to compete in the Olympics. The last Olympic appearance for NHL athletes came in 2014, when Canada captured the gold medal in Sochi, Russia. Bettman noted that the success of the recent 4 Nations Face-Off tournament showcased the appeal of international play.

“We came off of 4 Nations on a high,” Bettman said. “It shows you what our players can do representing hockey and what we think is the best best-on-best in international competition.”

The commissioner also addressed recent disciplinary action involving the Tampa Bay Lightning. In the team’s preseason finale against the Florida Panthers, the matchup turned chaotic as both teams combined for 49 penalties and 186 penalty minutes. The following night, Tampa Bay recalled six players from its AHL affiliate in Syracuse, who collectively recorded 77 penalty minutes. Five of them received match penalties, misconducts, or game misconducts.

On Monday, the league suspended Tampa Bay forward Scott Sabourin for four games and defenseman J.J. Moser for two, and fined the Lightning organization $100,000. Coach Jon Cooper also received a $25,000 fine.

“I think we made our position clear in terms of our response,” Bettman said. “That’s not what the game is all about. We didn’t think what happened was appropriate for a variety of reasons.”

As the NHL embarks on its 109th season, Bettman’s remarks reflect the league’s dual focus: honoring player interests in global competition while maintaining discipline and professionalism on the ice.