(AP) STOCKHOLM - NHL deputy commissioner Bill Daly says the league is "proceeding under the assumption" its players will take part in the 2014 Sochi Olympics.

NHL representatives and international hockey and Olympic officials met in Stockholm on Friday in a new round of talks aimed at securing an agreement for the league’s participation in the Sochi Games.

While no final deal was reached, the International Ice Hockey Federation said "all signs pointed" to NHL players going to the Olympics for a fifth straight time.

IIHF President Rene Fasel says "we have some issues left, but I, as always, remain optimistic."