NHL Suspends Partnerships With Russia

The NHL has made a public statement about Russia following the nation's invasion in Ukraine, saying they have suspended business relationships with its partners in Russia.

"Effective immediately, we are suspending our relationships with our business partners in Russia and we are pausing our Russian language social and digital media sites. 

"In addition, we are discontinuing any consideration of Russia as a location for any future competitions involving the NHL."

The NHL said it is concerned about the well-being of its Russian players, saying it understands that "they and their families are being placed in an extremely difficult position."

This season, 60 Russians have played in the NHL, including leading Vezina Trophy favorite Igor Shesterkin and future Hall of Famer Alex Ovechkin. Ovechkin and Minnesota's Kirill Kaprizov are both in the top 10 in scoring with 63 points each.

Earlier Monday, the IIHF banned Russia and Belarus from all international tournaments for the time being.