Open Extended ReactionsZURICH -- The NHL, NHLPA and international officials on Wednesday finalized a deal agreed on long ago to send players to the 2026 Milan-Cortina Olympics. The league, union, International Ice Hockey Federation and International Olympic Committee confirmed the participation of NHL players at the Olympic Games for the first time since 2014. "Olympic participation will showcase the skill and talent of NHL players on an international stage. "Best-on-best international tournaments like the Olympics provide the opportunity to create extraordinary moments for our players and fans alike," added Marty Walsh, executive director of the NHL Players' Association, in a statement. The deal opens the door for NHL participation to continue in 2030, something that had also been agreed to in February 2024.