NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman highlighted the league's strategic decision to pause the season from February 6 to 24, 2026, to participate in the Winter Olympics in Milan-Cortina, marking the return of NHL players to Olympic competition after their last appearance in 2014, with the goal of boosting international recognition and showcasing top talent.

Bettman acknowledged the challenge of a nearly three-week Olympic break but emphasized its value for exposure, fan engagement, and the importance of players, especially after the success of last season's 4 Nations Face-Off event.

The league responded to a recent preseason game between Tampa Bay and Florida that involved excessive penalties and misconduct by suspending players and fining the organization, including a four-game suspension for Scott Sabourin, a two-game suspension for J.J. Moser, a $100,000 fine for the Lightning, and a $25,000 fine for coach Jon Cooper.

This disciplinary action was part of a broader effort to address the highly penalized preseason game, which saw six players involved, reflecting the league's stance against misconduct and its commitment to maintaining discipline.

Ticket sales for the upcoming outdoor NHL games in Florida, including the Winter Classic at loanDepot Park in Miami and a Stadium Series game in Tampa, are strong, with the league employing innovative solutions like retractable roofs and temporary coverings to manage weather and ice conditions.

Bettman expressed confidence in the logistics of hosting outdoor games in Florida, citing the controlled environments of the stadiums and the use of temporary structures, such as loanDepot Park’s retractable roof for the Panthers-Rangers game and a temporary roof for the Lightning-Bruins game in Tampa.