The NHL would have to shut down for two weeks in order for its players to compete at the Games - scheduled to take place from February 9 to February 25 - and the league has said previously it would like to make a decision by January.

But last month, Bettman claimed that the row would not "drift into the spring".

Players from the NHL have participated in the last five editions of the Olympic Games, but discussions have stalled in the last year after the International Olympic Committee (IOC) reduced the amount of financial support they were prepared to offer.

"There are a lot of owners, a lot of clubs, over the years that have been very concerned about what Olympic participation does to the season," Bettman told Yahoo Sports.

"What it does to players in terms of injuries.

"Not just those that go, but having a compressed schedule can make players more tired, more wear and tear on them, the potential for injury is greater.

"I think after doing five of these, I don’t know.

"I think 'fatigue' might be a word."

Some Governors believe that another Olympic appearance may not be in the best interests of the NHL.

Arizona Coyotes co-owner Anthony LeBlanc said he understands the players’ desire to want to be a part of the Olympics, but claims it is "a difficult thing" for the franchise in terms of running a business.

"Shutting down for two and a half weeks and for any franchise it’s difficult but it’s even more difficult for us because of the fact, it’s no secret that our prime time so to speak is January onward," he told Yahoo Sports.

"Shutting down for close to three weeks and what is arguably our busiest month from a tourism perspective is very, very difficult for us."

IOC President Thomas Bach claimed earlier this month that it was in the "interest of all parties" to see athletes from the league represent their countries at Pyeongchang 2018.

This came as a latest offer to ensure their presence was rejected.

Don Fehr, executive director of the NHL Players’ Association (NHLPA), has confirmed how the body have formally turned down a deal which would have permitted Winter Olympic participation in return for an extension to their current collective bargaining agreement.

This was last negotiated during a strike that led to almost half of the 2012-13 season being missed and is due to expire in 2022.

NHL officials were hoping to use the Pyeongchang carrot to force an extension until 2025.

Bettman said reports over the proposed deal were not true in how they were portrayed, adding that the NHL raised the potential for an extended international schedule and explained how the collective bargaining agreement could affect future events during a discussion with the NHLPA in November.

International Ice Hockey Federation (IIHF) President René Fasel admitted to insidethegames in April that reaching a deal was "even more difficult" than before and claimed during September's World Cup of Hockey that prospects remained "50-50".

Fasel estimates that costs will come to around $10 million (£7 million/€9 million) due to the long flights involved to Korea.

He claimed he will be able to raise the money himself through IIHF funds and by soliciting help within the sport and from other supporters.

Many players have expressed a wish to participate.

At least one, Russian star Alexander Ovechkin, has said said they will play regardless of whether permission is given.