Alex Ovechkin Says 'It’s Not Up To Us’ As Russia’s Return To International Hockey Faces Opposition

Alex Ovechkin avoided taking a direct position on Russia's return to international hockey, but made it clear that he believes Russian players want the opportunity to represent their country. The Washington Capitals captain was asked about the growing debate after the Court of Arbitration for Sport ruled that the International Ice Hockey Federation must reinstate Russia for international competitions. The decision has drawn opposition from several hockey nations and the Canadian government, while Ovechkin declined to offer his own view on whether Russia should be allowed to compete.

Ovechkin Says Russian Players Want to Play for Their Country

Speaking after Washington's morning skate on Tuesday, Ovechkin said supporters want to see the best players compete, including young talent who could become future NHL stars.

“I don't know how it's going to work out, but I'm pretty sure if you ask the fans, the fans want to see the best players out there,” Ovechkin said. “The fans want to see young generation players who are going to be future stars, future NHLers. But you know it's not up to us.”

Asked about Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney's position that Russia will not be allowed to participate in the world junior championship, Ovechkin kept his response brief: “It's his thoughts, his decision.”

Carney has also indicated that the Canadian government may refuse to issue visas to Russian players. The tournament is scheduled to begin in Alberta on Dec. 26, but the CAS ruling has created a difficult situation for the IIHF with the event only weeks away.

Wayne Gretzky, who Ovechkin passed for the NHL's all-time goals record in April 2025, said he understood Carney's stance. “I think a lot of the players and the people of Canada feel the same way,” Gretzky said.

Russia's Return Faces Opposition From Hockey Nations

Sweden, Finland and Czechia have all spoken against Russia's readmittance. Some have said their national teams will not play against Russia while the war in Ukraine continues. The country has been excluded from international hockey since its invasion of Ukraine in 2022.

Ovechkin also rejected the suggestion that Russia uses sporting success as propaganda to build domestic support for the war. Canada's secretary of state for sport, Adam van Koeverden, made that accusation last week.

The debate has also brought attention to Ovechkin's past public support for Russian President Vladimir Putin. In 2017, he launched the “Putin Team” movement and said, “I just support my country.” After the invasion of Ukraine in 2022, he said, “Please, no more war,” while describing Putin as his president and saying he was not involved in politics.

NHL commissioner Gary Bettman said the league and the IIHF would need to work through the consequences of the CAS ruling, particularly with several federations refusing to play in Russia. He also pointed to the Canadian government's position as another complication.

The NHL and NHL Players' Association are scheduled to hold the World Cup of Hockey in February 2028. Bettman said a decision on Russia's participation will have to be made at the appropriate time, but there is no immediate resolution.