KHL vs DEL

How would you compare/contrast KHL and DEL?

The K takes the slight nod here, but DEL which is Germany's premier hockey league is considered by us and many others to be a top 10 league globally. Both leagues are at a level where if they played in exhibition versus NHL clubs, you would see good games. Import caliber is super high in both of these leagues which we'll touch on.

We have scouted games in Russia and Germany for many years alongside insights from a variety of former players/coaches in each of these two leagues.

KHL

The KHL (Kontinental Hockey League) is the top professional ice hockey league in Russia.

DEL

The Deutsche Eishockey Liga (DEL) is Germany's top-tier professional ice hockey league, known for its high level of play and strong fan base.

Location: Primarily Russia + Belarus, Kazakstan, & China

Location: Germany

Skill Level in KHL (Kontinental Hockey League)

The KHL is not only the top league in Russia, but it is widely considered to be one of the best leagues in the world after the NHL. The leagues clubs roster best in class Russian players as well as some of the most elite import players from around the globe.

Skill Level in DEL

Founded in 1994, the DEL is Germany’s premier ice hockey league, featuring 14 teams. It attracts both domestic and international players, offering a highly competitive environment.

Player Perspective: KHL (Kontinental Hockey League)

"The travel schedule in season is demanding and long, especially in the heart of winter. Until you're here, I don't think most people realize how long it takes to fly from one side of Russia to the other. The level of hockey is top notch. You hear varied perspectives from players who've spent time there, but my personal time as an import in the KHL was positive all around. Our team treated us well in my full season there."

Player Perspective: DEL

"Playing in the DEL in Germany was my favorite league to play in overseas as an import. The level of play was high, plus the fanbases at most arenas make the environment second to none."

Number of Teams in KHL (Kontinental Hockey League): 23

Number of Teams in DEL: 14

Caliber of Players and Imports in KHL

The caliber of players in the KHL is set at a high bar. Many consider the KHL the 2nd or 3rd strongest leagues in the world following the National Hockey League. Due to this, the level of players matches this and only the most elite of Russian players ever make it to the K and stick for a duration. In terms of imports who play here, most every import here possesses strong resumes with either a few cups of coffee in the NHL, notable time in the AHL/ECHL where they were a top player there, or strong experience in another one of Europe's top leagues prior to transitioning here.

Caliber of Players and Imports in DEL

The level of players in DEL is high. In years past, DEL clubs have held their own in exhibition games versus NHL clubs. Rosters are made up of a blend of German nationals and a select number of international imports who range from ex-AHL/NHL players and top level European players. This added strength of imports throughout the league definitely contributes to the high skill level combined with strong German players.