I don’t see why Russia can’t square off against Slovakia (their political leaders might allow it) or Belarus at the very least.
Why would belarus and slovakia be on their own when germany and switzerland both have double the amount of NHL players and are better?Like Russia has ever needed permission from other nations to do whatever they want.
The 5 team tournament would be pretty good actually.
1. Russia
2. Czechia
3. Slovakia
4. Team Europe ( Germany, Swiss etc. )
5. Belarus
Why would belarus and slovakia be on their own when germany and switzerland both have double the amount of NHL players and are better?
Germany and switzerland have 0 khl playersKHL heavy tournament. I forgot Team Kazakhstan. So 6 teams in total.
They all have very little NHLers in general. for example Russia have only 60 NHLers. While Sweden have 80. Even tho Russia has bigger population and the perfect environment to play hockey.
By the number of KHL players and they have their own KHL team Dinamo Minsk: KHL Totals by Nationality ‑ 2024‑2025 Stats
Belarus, Slovakia, Germany and Switzerland are on similar level on international ice. For example Germany played for Olympic gold medal in 2018.