logo
OilersNation has no direct affiliation to the Edmonton Oilers, Oilers Entertainment Group, NHL, or NHLPA
NHL Notebook: IOC lifts ban on Russia paving way for 2030 Olympic hockey return
alt
Photo credit: Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports
Michael Menzies
Jul 8, 2026, 19:00 EDTUpdated: Jul 8, 2026, 18:42 EDT
Comments
Best-on-best hockey with Russian inclusion could be on the horizon with the recent announcement by the International Olympic Committee. 
On Wednesday, the IOC executive board lifted the suspension of the Russian Olympic Committee, paving the way for athletes to compete at the 2028 Los Angeles games. 
Since 2023, Russia has been banned from competition after the invasion of Ukraine. As it stands, Russia could play hockey at the 2030 Alpes Winter Games. The IIHF’s ban has somewhat relaxed as well, and will decide on Russia’s status on an “event-by-event basis.”
NHL deputy commissioner Bill Daly said no decision on Russia for the 2028 World Cup of Hockey had been made during a press conference before the Stanley Cup Final. 
“We’ll obviously be following how they approach that process and what they do,” said Daly regarding the IIHF’s decision on Russia. “It’ll be relevant to what we do.” 
Russian NHLers will be able to participate in the 2027 All-Star Game and will compete on the Rest of World team in the planned 3-on-3 tournament.

Bedard out for 4 months

Connor Bedard has undergone surgery on his shoulder. 
The Chicago Blackhawks’ outlook for next season took a major blow when Bedard tumbled into the boards, effectively ending the off-season. 
“This morning, Connor Bedard underwent successful surgery to repair his left shoulder,” the Hawks said. “We expect to make a full recovery in an approximate timeline for four months.” 
It likely won’t change Chicago’s contract plans with Bedard, who is a restricted free agent, but the prices have gone up since Leo Carlsson’s offer sheet that carries an $18 million. 
Bedard just had his best offensive season, scoring a career high 30 goals and 75 points, while missing 13 games. That mid-season injury took the wind out of a fairly strong start to the Hawks’ year, and they plummeted down the standings as the season went along. 
It’s a big season for Chicago, who acquired Bowen Byram and Jordan Greenway from Buffalo for the fourth overall pick, a second-round pick, and Louis Crevier, then made Byram the highest-paid defenceman in the league. 
They’ll need Bedard at full health to make any significant push. 

Utah matches Hayton

Barrett Hayton will return to the Utah Mammoth, as they matched the one-year offer sheet the 26-year-old signed with the New Jersey Devils. 
Sportsnet’s Elliotte Friedman reported that the two teams were in trade talks on Hayton at the draft, but a deal fell through. That’s why the Devils resorted to the $4.775 million offer. 
Utah would’ve received New Jersey’s 2027 first-rounder in return if they hadn’t matched. He can’t be traded next year and is a unrestricted free agent afterwards.  
Hayton was the fifth overall pick in 2028, who hasn’t panned out as an offensive threat, but has been a useful depth centre. He took a step back with just 25 points in 2025-26 after a 20-goal, 46-point campaign the year prior. 
Their centre depth has been bolstered with the Vincent Trocheck addition and Anders Lee, so it’ll be interesting how coach Andre Tourigny deploys their lineup. 
“He’s strong in the face-off circle, plays both sides of the puck and can play with anyone in our forward group,” said Mammoth GM Bill Armstrong. “We are grateful to be able to count on Barrett in our lineup next season.”
All eyes remain on the Anaheim Ducks when it comes to offer sheets, as the Friday deadline looms on Leo Carlsson.
Michael Menzies is an Oilersnation columnist and co-host of PreGaming and Oilersnation After Dark. He’s also been the play-by-play voice of the Bonnyville Pontiacs in the AJHL since 2019. With seven years of news experience as the Editor-at-Large of Lakeland Connect in Bonnyville, Menzies collects vinyl, books, and stomach issues. Follow him on X at Menzies_4. 

SIGN UP NOW FOR THE NATION GOLF TOURNAMENT

The Nation Golf Tournament driven by GMC is back Friday, August 28, 2026! Which means it’s once again socially acceptable to skip work on a Friday for “networking”. Join us on Friday, August 28, 2026 at Mill Woods Golf Course for an 18-hole Texas scramble shotgun start, questionable swing decisions, and enough chirping to last the entire offseason. Every swing supports Gregor’s Grads and their mission to help graduates shine on graduation day. Early bird pricing ends July 18th, so grab your squad and sign up now at NationGear.ca before it sells out!
News
MORE NEWS. IN YOUR INBOX.
CLICK TO SUBSCRIBE TO OUR WEEKLY NEWSLETTER

Breaking News