With the future of the New York Rangers migrating from Finland, Sweden, the Czech Republic and Russia, it raises the question of how good those leagues really are. Are they one step below the NHL? Are they comparable to the AHL or are they the same level as the NCAA or Canadian junior hockey?
Igor Shesterkin was one of the best goalies in the KHL for the last few years, posting spectacular numbers. Vitali Kravtsov was an outstanding rookie in the KHL. Kaapo Kakko excelled in Liiga. Nils Lundkvist is a steady defenseman in the SHL.
Does success in the KHL, Liiga or the SHL mean success in the NHL?