NHL players could still go to the 2018 Olympics, but it won’t be in exchange for extending the collective bargaining agreement through 2025.

A person with direct knowledge of the decision said the Players’ Association on Friday rejected the NHL’s offer to extend the current CBA three years in exchange for an agreement to go to Pyeong-chang, South Korea, in 2018.

The person spoke to The Associated Press on condition of anonymity because it wasn’t being formally announced.

The Canadian Press first reported the NHLPA rejected the offer, which was made by the NHL amid talks with the International Ice Hockey Federation and International Olympic Committee.

NHL players have participated in the past five Olympics dating to 1998, but there’s doubt about 2018 because of the IOC’s reluctance to pay for insurance and expenses. NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman has set a January deadline for a decision.

IOC President Thomas Bach said it’s in the interest of all parties for NHL players to be in the Olympics. He told The Olympic Channel that that “all the rational arguments are speaking in favor of participation.”

RED WINGS: Justin Abdelkader is expected to miss two to four weeks with what the team describes as a slight MCL strain.

The 29-year-old forward left Detroit’s loss to Florida on Thursday night in the first period.

Abdelkader has four goals and four assists in 22 games this season.

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