Trump Supports Putin’s Proposal for U.S.-Russia Hockey Matches

The NHL distances itself from discussions as Russia remains banned from international hockey over its 2022 invasion of Ukraine.

Russian President Vladimir Putin proposed organizing hockey games 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 no formal plans for such matches have been announced.
The NHL issued a statement clarifying it was not involved in the discussions and declined to comment further on the proposal.
Russia has been banned from international hockey competitions since 2022, with the ban extended through the 2025-26 season due to the ongoing conflict in Ukraine.
The phone call also included discussions on the Ukraine war, with Russia agreeing to a temporary 30-day halt on strikes targeting Ukrainian energy infrastructure.