New York Rangers forward Artemi Panarin expressed his disappointment about Russia’s absence from the 4 Nations Face-Off, calling the situation “pretty sad.”
Speaking with Larry Brooks of the New York Post, Panarin acknowledged his frustration at being unable to participate in the first best-on-best international tournament at the senior level in nearly a decade.
“It’s pretty sad," Panarin said. "You always want to play international tournaments and represent your country.”
The International Ice Hockey Federation excluded Russia and Belarus from international competitions scheduled in 2025 and 2026 as the IIHF Council "believes it is not yet safe to reintegrate" them in championships.
There remains a possibility that Russian players could compete under the ROC banner at the 2026 Olympics if the International Olympic Committee lifts sanctions.
Moreover, the IIHF announced that its council "will continue to monitor the situation, with the latest date to determine if it is safe to reincorporate Russia and Belarus for the 2026/2027 Championship season in May 2026."
Despite the situation, Panarin suggested that many players around the league, not necessarily of Russian nationality, would welcome Russia’s participation.
“It’s just sad, but we can’t do anything,” Panarin said. “One thing I know is that most of the players probably want us to be able to play in these events.
”I know players are not against that.”
Panarin previously first competed with the country at the IIHF World Championships, winning gold in 2011 at the World Juniors. He later joined Russia's senior team on his way to winning one silver and two bronze medals in the 2015, 2016, and 2017 Ice Hockey World Championships.
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