President Donald Trump “supported” the idea of an organized hockey game between American and Russian players during a telephone conversation with Russian President Vladimir Putin, according to the release of the Kremlin call.
The comments came as part of a long call among world leaders, centered around Ukraine's current conflict.
“Donald Trump supported Vladimir Putin's idea of organizing a US-Russian hockey match between Russian and American players who play in the NHL and KHL,” the release read.
Russia and Belarus have been banned by the International Ice Hockey Federation from all international tournaments and tournaments after Russia invaded Ukraine in February 2022.
The NHL tried to avoid commenting on the news in a statement released to multiple outlets.
“We just noticed a conversation between President Trump and Putin,” the league said. “Obviously we are not parties to those discussions and it is inappropriate to comment at this time.”
IIHF extended the ban on Russia and Belarus from federally operated competition until the 2025-26 season.
These games are the first time since 2014 when NHL players have participated in the Olympics.
The IIHF Council cited security concerns related to the decision to continue expulsion, but the International Olympic Committee has its final words on whether Russia and Belarus can compete in the Olympics.
Since the war began, the NHL has had a nonexistent relationship with the KHL, telling the team to stop contacting the Russian club.
The NHL has also ended its broadcast contract to carry gaming games on Russian television.
The NHL and KHL have played several exhibit games between teams in both leagues in the past, and most recently in 2010 in two games.
