NHL players can play in 2026 Milano Cortina Olympics after deal gets finalized by hockey governing bodies

This confirmation will now allow NHL players to participate for their countries in the Olympics for the first time since 2014. 

"Olympic participation will showcase the skill and talent of NHL players on an international stage. We are proud to collaborate with the IIHF, NHLPA and IOC to bring the best hockey players in the world to the Olympics and make this happen in a way that benefits the game globally," NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman said in a statement.

Marty Walsh, the executive director of the NHLPA, added, "Best-on-best international tournaments like the Olympics provide the opportunity to create extraordinary moments for our players and fans alike. The return to the Olympics marks a monumental moment for hockey, and we thank our partners - the NHL, IOC and IIHF - for this collaborative process. 

"The skill and passion on display in Milano Cortina will build off the excitement of the 4 Nations Face-Off and continue our game's global growth."

Some may have had doubts about a deal going through because it took so long to put pen to paper. 

But this deal will also allow NHL player participation in the 2030 Games in the French Alps. 

The 2026 men's hockey tournament will begin Feb. 11 and run through Feb. 22. 

However, when the 4 Nations Face-Off Final reached the TD Garden in Boston, it was Canada getting an overtime victory. 

There will be 12 participating countries in next year's hockey tournament: Slovakia, Finland, Sweden, Italy, Switzerland, France, Czechia, Canada, United States, Latvia, Germany and Denmark. 

The Associated Press contributed to this report.