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Trump and Putin Discuss Potential U.S.-Russia Hockey Matches

The NHL distances itself from the proposal as Russia seeks to re-enter the global sports arena through hockey diplomacy.

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Russia's President Vladimir Putin and U.S. President Donald Trump talk during a bilateral meeting at the G20 leaders summit in Osaka, Japan, June 28, 2019. REUTERS/Kevin Lamarque/ File Photo
CSKA Moscow's Prokhor Poltapov (L) fights for the puck with Nikita Yevseyev (C) and Konstantin Luchevnikov (R) of Ak Bars Kazan during the Gagarin Cup 2023 final series game of the Russian Kontinental Hockey League (KHL).
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Overview

  • Russian President Vladimir Putin proposed hockey matches between NHL and KHL players during a phone call with U.S. President Donald Trump on March 18, 2025.
  • The Kremlin stated that Trump expressed support for the idea, though the White House omitted the hockey discussions from its readout of the call.
  • The NHL, which suspended ties with the KHL in 2022 following Russia's invasion of Ukraine, has stated it was not involved in the discussions and declined to comment on the proposal.
  • Russia remains banned from international hockey competitions through the 2025-26 season, a consequence of its ongoing conflict in Ukraine.
  • The proposed matches are seen as a potential soft power move by Russia to re-engage with the international sports community, but no concrete plans have been established yet.