The NHL have said that they will not discuss the league's participation in the 2018 Winter Olympics until after the Sochi Games.

North America's elite hockey league have let their players take part in the Olympics since 1998, resulting in the NHL being placed on hold during the Games.

Commissioner Gary Bettman confirmed that the league, the union and the International Ice Hockey Federation will begin talks on their participation in the Pyeongchang event once the 2014 Games are completed.

The league have already indicated that they are keen to decide their future involvement in the Olympics within six months.