Sports · Other Sports · 7 hrs ago
Kaprizov welcomes prospect of Russia returning to international hockey
Minnesota Wild forward Kirill Kaprizov said he wants Russia's hockey teams back in international tournaments.
Russia's national teams have been barred from competitions run by the International Ice Hockey Federation since 2022.
The Court of Arbitration for Sport ordered the IIHF to allow them to compete and overturned five federation decisions blocking their participation.
The ruling applies from the 2026–27 season.
Kaprizov made his comments in a conversation with a Finnish journalist after a Minnesota practice in Philadelphia.
He said he did not know how to respond to questions about a possible boycott, while several national teams have said they would refuse to play Russia.
The decision could affect the 2027 world championships, scheduled for Germany and Canada, though the sources do not say how the boycott threat will be resolved.
Kirill Kaprizov said Russia should be allowed to return to international hockey competitions.
The Minnesota Wild forward made the comments during an interview with a Finnish journalist in Philadelphia.
The Court of Arbitration for Sport ordered the International Ice Hockey Federation to admit Russian teams to international competitions, overturning five IIHF council resolutions.
Russia’s national teams have been barred from IIHF competitions since 2022.
Sweden, Finland, Czechia, Norway, Denmark and Latvia said they would boycott matches against Russian teams.
- Who
- Kirill Kaprizov, a Russian forward for the Minnesota Wild, and a Finnish journalist.
- What
- Kaprizov argued that Russia should be allowed back into international hockey competitions.
- When
- The interview was reported on November 4, 2026.
- Where
- Philadelphia, after a Minnesota Wild morning skate.
- Why
- The discussion concerned Russia’s eligibility to return to international competitions after a Court of Arbitration for Sport ruling.
Kaprizov and supporters of Russia’s return
Sweden, Finland, Czechia, Norway, Denmark and Latvia
Russia’s participation
Kaprizov and supporters of Russia’s return
Kaprizov said Russia should be allowed to return to international competitions.
Sweden, Finland, Czechia, Norway, Denmark and Latvia
The six national teams said they would boycott matches against Russian teams.
Russian national teams were barred from competitions under the IIHF.
The Court of Arbitration for Sport ordered the IIHF to admit Russian teams and overturned five council resolutions.
Kaprizov discussed Russia’s return and a possible boycott with a Finnish journalist after a Minnesota Wild morning skate in Philadelphia.
The junior world championship is scheduled to take place in Canada.
The world championship is scheduled to take place in Germany.
- Player
- Kirill Kaprizov
- Team
- Minnesota Wild
- Court ruling
- Applies to the 2026–27 season
- Boycott
- Sweden, Finland, Czechia, Norway, Denmark and Latvia
- World championship
- Germany, May 14–30, 2027
3 sources
«Разве вы этого не хотите?» Капризов — о допуске сборной России по хоккею к соревнованиям
«Разве вы не хотите, чтобы Россия вернулась?» Капризов — во время перепалки с журналистом
«Конечно, нас должны допустить! Что вы вообще имеете в виду? Почему нет? Разве вы не хотите, чтобы Россия вернулась?» — ответил Капризов.
What people are saying
Of course we should be allowed! What do you mean? Why not? Don’t you want Russia to return?
We’re not talking about politics. It’s sport.
I have no answer to that question. I don’t know.