While the NHL's participation in the 2018 Olympics in South Korea remains very much in doubt, the league and its players are close to finalizing two international events next season -- one in Sweden and one in China.

The NHL is awaiting word from the NHLPA on whether they will approve two regular-season games between the Avalanche and the Senators, in Stockholm, Sweden, on Nov. 10-11, as well as two preseason games between the Kings and the Canucks, in China, a source familiar with the discussions told ESPN.