Biden administration secretly plotted kicking Alex Ovechkin and Russian NHL stars out of U.S. to punish Vladimir Putin over Navalny

The Biden administration considered expelling Russian NHL players. This was part of pressure on Vladimir Putin for Alexei Navalny’s release. National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan led the negotiations. Alexander Ovechkin and other stars could have been affected. The plan was eventually shelved. Recent NHL signings from Russia continue. The situation highlights the intersection of sports and global politics.