NHL's return to the Olympics delivers fast-paced games and points to 2028 World Cup of Hockey

The NHL's return to the Milano Cortina Olympics featured multiple overtime knockout games and the United States beat Canada for the men's gold medal; the NHL, NHLPA and IIHF have an agreement to participate in 2030 pending an IOC deal, and the World Cup of Hockey is set for February 2028.

The Milano Cortina Olympics brought NHL players back to Olympic ice after a 12-year absence, and several knockout games extended into overtime. The U.S. beat Canada in the gold-medal game, ending Canada's recent run and giving the U.S. its first NHL-Olympics men's gold since 1980. League, players' association and IIHF officials say they have an agreement to participate in 2030 in the French Alps pending a final IOC deal. The NHL and NHLPA also plan a World Cup of Hockey in February 2028. Key details: - Four of seven knockout-round games at Milano Cortina went to overtime. - The United States defeated Canada for the men's gold medal in an overtime finish. - The U.S. victory is the first Olympic men's gold with NHL players since 1980. - The NHL, NHLPA and IIHF report an agreement to participate in the 2030 Olympics in the French Alps, pending a deal with the International Olympic Committee. - The World Cup of Hockey is scheduled for February 2028 and is part of plans for more regular best-on-best international play. - Some participants and coaches raised concerns about 3-on-3 overtime being used in the gold-medal game, noting differences from standard playoff overtime formats. Summary: The return of NHL players elevated the profile of Olympic hockey and produced several closely contested games, including a U.S.-Canada final decided in overtime. Plans are underway for the World Cup of Hockey in February 2028 and a reported NHL/NHLPA/IIHF agreement for 2030 participation, with final arrangements for the latter pending the IOC.