Breaking News - Major news strikes the hockey world and Connor Bedard for the year 2026

ESPN's Kevin Weekes revealed this on Friday, and an official announcement is expected from the league later today after the IIHF briefly posted and then deleted a confirmation on X, formerly known as Twitter.

Also expected on Friday afternoon is an announcement confirming the NHL's plans for a best-on-best international tournament in 2025. This tournament, featuring Canada, Finland, Sweden, and the United States, will be hosted in Boston and Montreal. As a result, there won't be an All-Star Game next year.

The 2026 Olympics will be the first time NHL players participate since the 2014 edition in Sochi, Russia.

Milan and Cortina d'Ampezzo, Italy, are set to host, but there are concerns about the timeline for constructing the Olympic rink in Milan. This may lead to relocating ice hockey competitions to Turin, the host of the 2004 Winter Olympics.

The host for the 2023 Games hasn't been named, but Salt Lake City, Stockholm, Switzerland, and the French Alps region have submitted bids. The French Alps bid is the likely host for the 2030 edition, while Salt Lake City may get the 2034 Games.

This news comes at a good time, allowing Connor Bedard to participate in international events throughout his career, potentially winning Olympic gold medals.