The Allure of the KHL

Jan 24, 2012; Chicago, IL, USA; Chicago Blackhawks defenseman Steve Montador (5) skates with the puck against the Nashville Predators during the third period at the United Center. The Predators beat the Blackhawks 3-1. Mandatory Credit: Rob Grabowski-USA TODAY Sports

Today, Chris Kuc reported that former Blackhawks defenseman Steve Montador signed with the KHL team, Medvescak Zagreb. Montador is not a name that would get the interest of most NHL fans. Ilya Kovalchuk is the name that most NHL fans recognize when speaking of the KHL.

Kovalchuk and Montador left the NHL for the KHL for different reasons. Kovalchuk left to be closer to home and more money per season (20million). Montador left to keep playing pro hockey.

Why the KHL?

The KHL is the 2nd best pro hockey league in the World to the NHL. The KHL was setup in 2008 to foster the development of Hockey in Russia, Europe, and Asia. It has 24 teams that compete for the Gargin Cup from April to September.

The KHL is a place where hockeys players who didn’t make the NHL can have a pro career. it also where former NHL players can extend their pro career.

That is the allure of the KHL, it gives players a chance to play pro hockey outside of the NHL.