Report: Bettman makes shocking declaration about NHL's participation in future olympics!

As we all know, the NHL has already ruled itself out of Olympic participation in the 2018 winter olympics, taking place in Pyeongchang.

Gary Bettman dropped a bomb on Saturday that will surely outrage the masses.

The commissioner told SVT Sweden Sport in interview that it's "hard to envision" the NHL returning to future olympic events.

"I never say never, but I find it hard to envision a scenario where it makes sense unless, possibly, the Winter Games are back in North America where the time frame, and the attention, and the logistics -- travel -- are a lot different," Bettman said, as relayed by SB Nation.

Basically - as long as Bettman is top dog, it's very unlikely that NHL players ever participate in the Olympics if they occur outside the continent, and even if they are in North America, a lot will have to happen for it to work.

NHL players were furious when it was announced that they would not participate in the 2018 olympics. For many, it was their last shot at the big show. The same narrative will hold up in 4 years time.

Thank you, Gary.