The NHL is apparently closing in on a transfer partnership agreement with the KHL which would allow club teams in both leagues to purchase specific player rights, according to Sportsnet's Elliotte Friedman.

Deputy commissioner Bill Daly apparently revealed before Wednesday's Game 1 of the Stanley Cup Final that the NHL was nearing a four-year agreement with the Russian organization.

In the post-lockout era, the two leagues - the most influential in the industry - waited until contracts expired before attempting to poach talent.

The system won't have a soccer-like effect, considering the NHL's salary cap parameters, but would provide another tool for general managers looking to improve their rosters.

A four-year term will maintain consistency with existing agreements the KHL has with other European entities, as Friedman points out.