Politics, Putin, and Pucks: Hockey Stars Push Back Against Proposed Trump-Putin Exhibition Tournament
In a world where sports and politics are increasingly intersecting, the hockey world finds itself at the heart of a growing international controversy. Following Alexander Ovechkin’s historic achievement of surpassing Wayne Gretzky’s all-time goal-scoring record with 895 career goals—a milestone widely celebrated across the NHL—an unexpected political twist has put the spotlight on the Russian superstar and his homeland once again.
The celebration of Ovechkin’s record-breaking success has been accompanied by discussions far beyond the ice rink. Ten days ago, former U.S. President Donald Trump reportedly held a phone conversation with Russian President Vladimir Putin. Among the topics discussed: the ongoing war in Ukraine and, curiously, the idea of hosting a high-profile international hockey tournament.
According to sources, Putin proposed a tournament that would pit American and Canadian hockey stars against Russian players—possibly in a USA-Canada all-star format facing off against top talent from the Kontinental Hockey League (KHL). Trump has since hinted at entertaining the idea.
However, the reaction has been swift and overwhelmingly negative.
A report out of Montreal on Thursday revealed that a coalition of Russian and Ukrainian hockey players—some of whom play in the NHL, others in the AHL and European leagues—have submitted a formal request to NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman. Their plea: Do not engage in any discussions or negotiations involving Trump, Putin, or any potential international hockey exhibitions involving Russian players, at least not while the war in Ukraine continues.
These players, many of whom have long remained publicly apolitical, have chosen to break their silence, arguing that participation in any such event would only serve to normalize a situation that remains far from normal.
“It’s about more than hockey,” said one player, who asked to remain anonymous. “It’s about decency, about doing what’s right.”
The tension comes despite recent efforts by the NHL to celebrate international collaboration through initiatives like the successful Four Nations tournament. Yet even that goodwill hasn’t been enough to outweigh the discomfort players feel over the idea of being used as symbolic pawns during a time of war.
“It’s disappointing,” said a longtime analyst. “The players deserve to compete at the highest level without politics interfering. But as long as the conflict in Ukraine persists, it’s understandable that many want no part in any tournament tied to Russian leadership.”
Gary Bettman has yet to issue an official statement in response to the player alliance’s request. Meanwhile, the debate continues to unfold both in media circles and among fans.
Trump, never shy about mixing politics with sport, may view a joint tournament as a symbolic gesture of international cooperation. Putin, in turn, may see it as an opportunity to ease Russia’s image on the global stage through sport. But for the players, especially those with ties to Ukraine or family still living through the ongoing conflict, the suggestion feels tone-deaf at best and manipulative at worst.
“I think Putin sees this as a way to score soft power points,” said one NHL insider. “And Trump? He likely sees a promotional opportunity. But the players—they just want peace. They want to play the game they love without being dragged into political theater.”
At the end of the day, the message from the hockey community—especially in Montreal this week—is clear: No exhibitions, no friendly matches, no soft diplomacy through hockey while the war rages on. End the war first, then bring back international play.
As one former NHL captain summed it up, “Let’s get back to hockey—but only when it’s for the love of the game, not for the sake of politics.”
Lee Hacksaw Hamilton discusses the possibility of a USA vs Russia hockey tournament.
