Two of the 24 clubs that took part in the 2021-22 regular season of the Continental Hockey League (KHL) did not apply for participation next season. This was reported to TASS by the press service of the KHL. As a result, it appears, for now, that the KHL has been reduced from 24 to 22 teams.
“22 of the 24 clubs that took part in the 2021/22 season submitted documents for participation in the next season’s championship within the deadlines established by the KHL regulations. The data are being examined by the league’s relevant departments,” the press service said.
While the two teams that did not submit applications we’re not identified, it’s most likely that Dynamo Riga and Jokerit are the clubs that withdrew. On February 27, Dynamo Riga announced its withdrawal from the KHL, the decision was made in connection with the situation in Ukraine. February 25 Finnish “Jokerit” refused to participate in the KHL playoffs.
With the moves by Jokerit and Dinamo Riga, the remaining non-Russian teams in the KHL are: China’s Kunlun Red Stars, Belarus’ Dynamo Minsk, and Kazakhstan’s Barys Nur-Sultan.
By Jon Sorensen
KHL becoming like the NHL in the days when they had just 21 teams but 16 of them made the playoffs. (Back in the 1980’s)
I would expect more American and Canadian players to bail from KHL as well.
Most likely. And nearly any other player who is not from either Russia or Belarus.
You need to include Kazakhstan to the list too. It’s still a puppet of Moscow.