President Donald Trump “supported” the idea of organized hockey games between American and Russian players during a phone conversation with Russian President Vladimir Putin, according to a Kremlin release of the call.
The comments came as part of a lengthy call between the world leaders centered around the current conflict in Ukraine.
“Donald Trump supported Vladimir Putin’s idea to organize hockey matches in the USA and Russia between Russian and American players playing in the NHL and KHL,” the release read.
Russia and Belarus have been banned by the International Ice Hockey Federation from all international tournaments and competitions after Russia invaded Ukraine in Feb. 2022.
The NHL attempted to sidestep making any comment on the news in a statement released to multiple outlets.
“We have just become aware of the conversation between President Trump and President Putin,” the league said. “Obviously, we were not a party to those discussions and it would be inappropriate for us to comment at this time.”
The IIHF extended its ban of Russia and Belarus from federation-run competitions through the 2025-26 season, which would include the Olympics next winter in Italy.
Those Games mark the first time since 2014 that NHL players will participate in the Olympics.
The IIHF Council cited security concerns related to the decision to continue the banishment, but the International Olympic Committee has the final word on whether Russia and Belarus will be able to compete in the Olympics.
Since the war began, the NHL has had a non-existent relationship with the KHL, telling its teams to cease any contact with the Russian clubs.
The NHL also ended a broadcast agreement to carry its games games on Russian TV.
The NHL and KHL had played several exhibition games between teams from both leagues in the past, most recently with two games in 2010.
