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NHL commissioner Gary Bettman confirms uncertainty over Russia's participation in the 2028 World Cup of Hockey. “Time will tell,” he states during GM meetings in Florida. The IIHF banned Russia from international play due to security concerns following the invasion of Ukraine in 2022. The tournament, set for February 2028 across Calgary, Edmonton, and Prague, features eight teams. Despite ongoing debates about including Russian stars, such as Nikita Kucherov, Kirill Kaprizov, and Artemi Panarin, the NHL is cautious. Bettman emphasizes the league will align with international athletic standards regarding Russia's status. The IIHF is exploring the possibility of reintegrating Russia into under-18 competitions by the 2027-28 season. NHLPA executive director Marty Walsh expresses hope for Russian players' return to high-level tournaments, noting the challenges stem from global politics, not the NHLPA itself.
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