KHL vs DEL2

How would you compare/contrast KHL and DEL2?

The KHL is the strongest of these two leagues. Over the past number of years, DEL2 continues to gain strength based on the growth of the game in Germany and due to higher quality imports playing here. You'd probably see a competitive match if a top DEL2 team played a middle of the pack KHL club, but the KHL is definitively the stronger of the two leagues as a whole.

Our agency team has been scouting games in the KHL and Germany's 2nd league for over a decade.

KHL

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

DEL2

DEL2 is the second-tier professional ice hockey league in Germany, acting as a bridge between the Oberliga and the DEL.

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 DEL2

DEL2 serves as Germany’s second-tier league, featuring 14 teams. It provides a vital pathway for players and teams aspiring to compete at the DEL level.

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: DEL2

"Playing in DEL2 was instrumental in my growth, providing the right level of competition." – Felix Schütz

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

Number of Teams in DEL2: 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.