Why 2 Rangers superstars are unlikely to play in the 2026 Winter Olympics

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Joshua Deeds
September 11, 2024 (5:26 PM)

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The 2026 Milan Winter Olympics will be taking place, with two of the Rangers' top stars will be on the outside of the world stage, looking in.

NHL Deputy Commissioner Bill Daly confirmed in an interview with The Athletic that the players won't be able to participate, as the Russia and Ukraine conflict is ongoing.

«People are assuming, really, it's kind of already been made unless there's a drastic change in the course of events,» Daly explained. «The Summer Olympics, they did not allow Russian team participation, unlike some of the other models that they've adopted in the past. So, I would expect that same rule will apply.»

This leaves Panarin and Shesterin unable to participate, as Russia is held out of international competition.

Russia will also be left out of the 4-Nations Face-Off in 2025, as Sweden, Canada, Finland, and the USA will be participating in the tournament. This will be a best-on-best hockey tournament that hasn't taken place since 2016's World Cup of Hockey.

NHL players haven't been allowed to participate since the 2014 Winter Olympics in Sochi. Unfortunately, neither Panarin nor Shesterkin have represented their country yet in the Olympics. Panarin did play in the recent World Cup, posting 2 points when the Russian team, played Canada which they lost in the Semifinals.

Daly has confirmed that NHL players will participate in the 2026 Olympics, 2028 World Cup of Hockey, 2030 Olympics and 2032 World Cup of Hockey. Could Russia take part in the 2028 Olympics?

«Well, I mean, we haven't thought that far ahead because the situation is so dynamic,» Daly said. «In large part we would see where the international community is with respect to Russian participation and competition. That won't be a determining factor for us, but it would be probably somewhat persuasive depending on what the situation is. I don't want to rule out anything. I don't want to rule in anything.»

For Panarin though, it seems time may not be on his side, as he will be 38 by the time 2030 rolls around, and no confirmation that Russia will compete in the Olympics.

Panarin competed in two World Hockey Championships and the World Cup of Hockey in 2016.

Panarin played 672 NHL games, scoring 781 points(265 G, 516 A). He had a career year in 2023-2024, scoring 120 points( 49 G, 71 A) fourth in the league, and second in Rangers history behind Jaromir Jar's 123 points in 2005-2006.

Shesterkin won the Vezina Trophy during the 2021-202 NHL season and has been ranked as the NHL's best goalie. The 28-year-old still has a chance to represent Russia in the future but it's a shame he won't be able to at the cusp of his prime.

He's played for his country twice in 2015 at the World Junior Championships, and in 2018 with Team Russia in the World Championships.

Source: Forever BlueShirts
Why 2 of Rangers biggest stars likely won't play in 2026 Winter Olympics