U.S. Administration Contemplates Removing Russian Ice Hockey Stars, Including Alex Ovechkin, as a Method of Diplomatic Pressure Against Putin
In a stunning revelation, it has been reported that the Biden Administration seriously contemplated expelling Russian NHL stars, including superstar Alexander Ovechkin, from the United States as part of a strategy to pressure Vladimir Putin to release political prisoners such as Alexei Navalny.
This plan, which was explored in 2024 but ultimately abandoned in favor of a negotiated prisoner exchange between the U.S. and Russia, would have been unprecedented and had the potential to significantly impact NHL history. Ovechkin, chasing Wayne Gretzky's all-time goal-scoring record, could have been forced to leave the U.S., potentially disrupting his career and the broader league's structure.
The plan was part of wider efforts by National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan and the Biden administration to exert leverage over the Kremlin without giving up high-value prisoners. The backdrop included Navalny's death in a penal colony, heightening diplomatic tensions, and a complex prisoner swap deal concluded in mid-2024 involving releases on both sides.
The NHL players and teams remained in the U.S. after the idea was abandoned, allowing Ovechkin to break Gretzky’s record and continue his historic NHL career unhindered. The current political situation left room for potential future uncertainties, but the expulsions did not materialize, sparing the NHL disruption and maintaining player participation amid ongoing geopolitical conflicts.
The episode underscores the intertwining of international politics with sports diplomacy and the NHL’s unique position as a cross-cultural arena potentially vulnerable to geopolitical crises. The Wall Street Journal recently released a story on Thursday about efforts to save Navalny, shedding light on the complex negotiations that took place behind the scenes.
One of the key figures in these negotiations was Vadim Krasikov, a Russian hitman and FSB officer serving a life sentence in Germany, who was considered for a prisoner swap to secure Navalny's release. However, the potential optics of exchanging Krasikov for Navalny were a concern due to the recent exchange of arms dealer Victor Bout for detained WNBA star Brittney Griner.
As the world continues to grapple with geopolitical conflicts, the NHL remains a fascinating arena where international politics and sports intersect. Many people have wondered what would have happened if the Administration had acted faster in the situation, but for now, we can only speculate about the potential course of NHL history that was narrowly averted.
The Administration seriously considered expelling Russian NHL stars, like Alexander Ovechkin, from the United States to pressure Vladimir Putin, directly affecting Ovechkin's chase of Wayne Gretzky's all-time goal-scoring record in the NHL. If the plan had been carried out, it could have disrupted Ovechkin's career and the league's structure.
However, the plan was ultimately abandoned, allowing Ovechkin to break Gretzky’s record and continue his historic NHL career unhindered. This decision prevented potential disruption to the NHL and maintained player participation despite ongoing geopolitical conflicts.
