The Wall Street Journal reports that the administration of former US President Joe Biden considered the idea of expelling Russian hockey players from the United States.
Sanctions could have targeted Washington Capitals captain Alexander Ovechkin as a way to pressure Vladimir Putin during prisoner exchange negotiations.
According to the report, ahead of a major swap in August 2024, National Security Adviser Jake Sullivan considered sending all Russian players home to secure the release of Americans jailed in Russia.
It is worth noting that on April 6, 2025 Ovechkin broke Wayne Gretzky’s record for most goals in NHL regular seasons. The Russian now has 897 career NHL goals.
