Artemi Panarin, a forward for the New York Rangers, expressed his disappointment over Russia’s exclusion from the 4 Nations Face-Off, calling it “pretty sad.”
In an interview with Larry Brooks from the New York Post, Panarin shared his frustration at missing out on the first best-on-best international tournament at the senior level in almost a decade. “It’s pretty sad,” Panarin said. “You always want to play international tournaments and represent your country.”
The International Ice Hockey Federation (IIHF) has banned Russia and Belarus from international competitions in 2025 and 2026, citing safety concerns about their reintegration into championships.
However, Russian players may still compete under the Russian Olympic Committee (ROC) flag at the 2026 Olympics if the International Olympic Committee lifts the sanctions. The IIHF also stated that it will continue to assess the situation, with a decision on Russia and Belarus’ participation in the 2026/2027 Championship season expected by May 2026.
Despite the exclusion, Panarin suggested that many players, even those not from Russia, would support Russia’s participation. “It’s just sad, but we can’t do anything,” he said. “One thing I know is that most players probably want us to be able to play in these events. I know players are not against that.”
Panarin has a long history with Russian international hockey, winning gold at the 2011 World Juniors and later earning one silver and two bronze medals in the 2015, 2016, and 2017 IIHF World Championships.