NHL's Deputy Commissioner Believes Russian Hockey Team Will Be Banned from 2026 Olympics.

The Russian hockey team will not be allowed to participate in the 2026 Olympic Games in Italy, NHL Deputy Commissioner Bill Daly said. According to him, this decision is almost final unless there are radical changes. Previously, the Russian team was not admitted to the Summer Olympics, so Daly expects the same rule to be applied to the Winter Games. France's team will take Russia's place in the Olympic tournament if the Russians are not allowed to compete.

Currently, the IOC recommends allowing Russians only in a neutral status and prohibits team participation in competitions.

The 2026 Winter Olympics will be held in two Italian cities - Milan and Cortina d'Ampezzo.

It should be noted that the Russians won only one medal at the Paris Olympics.