The president of the Continental Hockey League (KHL), Alexei Morozov, stated that the league has reached out to the National Hockey League (NHL) with a proposal to organize exhibition matches between clubs. His remarks were shared in connection with the “Match TV” program, underscoring the interest in cross-league play.
Morozov explained that the initiative aims to feature NHL teams, particularly those with a strong presence of Russian players. He noted that while the concept was approved by KHL leadership, NHL clubs would also need to agree and coordinate their own schedules. He added that their national championships typically begin in late October, and for that reason, discussions were temporarily paused as both sides aligned their calendars. This reflects a broader pattern of early-stage talks that often require months of negotiation before any formal commitment is reached.
The last time KHL and NHL clubs engaged in a joint on-ice event was back in 2010. At that time, SKA St. Petersburg defeated the Carolina Hurricanes 5-3, while Dynamo Riga fell to the Arizona Coyotes 1-3 in matches that helped highlight the potential for cross-border collaboration. Earlier memories from 2008 recall Metallurg Magnitogorsk losing to the New York Rangers 3-4 in a tightly contested affair. These past games are frequently cited in discussions about how league-level cooperation could unfold in the modern era.
There was also a recent KHL response regarding the potential revision of the league’s salary cap in light of changes to the ruble exchange rate. The discussion reflected ongoing efforts to maintain competitive balance and financial stability across the league as global economic conditions evolve. Markedly, this topic remains on the table as executives weigh how macroeconomic factors could influence team-building strategies and wage structures in the years ahead.