Further to reports over the weekend, the NHL is moving closer to solidifying an agreement with the Kontinental Hockey League to play two exhibition games next season in Russia.
The rival leagues have had an ongoing dialogue since the Olympics and the expectation is a deal to confirm the head-to-head matchups will be reached in the near future.
As speculated, the Carolina Hurricanes are tentatively scheduled to play St. Petersburg, while the Phoenix Coyotes will likely face Riga.
The Hurricanes, Coyotes, Boston Bruins, Minnesota Wild, San Jose Sharks and Columbus Blue Jackets will open the 2010-11 NHL regular season in Europe.