The NHL has revealed potential plans for future international tournaments

At the 2026 Winter Olympics in Italy, there are plans to host a hockey tournament featuring players from the National Hockey League (NHL). The organization also shared its future plans for other national team tournaments.

Details: NHL Deputy Commissioner Bill Daly revealed at a press conference that after the 2026 Olympics, the 2028 World Cup of Hockey will be held, with tournaments alternating every two years.

Quote: "Our plan is as follows: the 2026 Olympics, the 2028 World Cup, the 2030 Olympics, and the 2032 World Cup. We will reserve February for international tournaments. European leagues and federations are aware of this. Not all European teams are willing to release players for the World Cup in the middle of the season.

But we’re already discussing this to ensure that players who are potential candidates for the World Cup can negotiate the necessary permission to join their national teams in their contracts," Daly explained.

He also mentioned the intention to target eight teams for the World Cup, following historical precedent. Six top teams will receive automatic invitations, and a qualifying tournament may be organized for four additional teams to compete for the final two spots.

Reminder: The NHL Vice Commissioner also addressed whether Russian players will be allowed to participate in the 2026 Olympics.