*-> New out of Russia today, the KHL is set to go through with expansion plans at the seasons end in preperation for the new season. The KHL has been trying to lure many European teams since its begging to try and create a European based league to rival the NHL. Several larger European teams have been invited such as Farjestads BK, Frolunda HC, HV71, Linkopings HC, and Djurgardens IF of the Swedish Elite Liga were all invited but all 6 have decided to remain in Sweden til the end of next season leaving the door open for a possible addition in 2012. The only team in Sweden who fully excepted the KHL's offer was AIK in the Swedish Div 1 but the Swedish Hockey Federation refused their transfer. In the Finnish Elite Liga just Oulun Karpat was invited and declined. Ec Red Bull Salzburg was invited from the Austrian League but Red Bull has a contract with the city for several more years. In the DEL Kolner Haie and Eisbaren Berlin were explored but both remaining happy with the DEL and said maybe it could be possible in the future. The Czech Extraliga came close to losing HC Energie Karlovy Vary but due to financial woes this season the were declined by the KHL but hope to join at the end of the next season. Lev Hradec Kralove also applied and was excepted. So whos are the expansion teams so far?
- HC Budivelnyk - Kiev, Ukraine (Ukrainian Major League)
- Yugra Khanty-Mansiysk - Khanty-Mansiysk, Russia (Russian Major League)
- Krylya Sovetov Moscow - Moscow, Russia (Russian Major League)
- Lev Hradec Kralove - Hradec Kralove, Czech Rep (Czech Extraliga)
- Vetra Vilnius - Vilnius, Lithuania
Several more teams have applied as well but so far havent been accepted.
- HC Donbass - Donetsk, Ukraine (Ukrainian Major League) -> Needs Arena
- Sokil Kiev - Kiev, Uraine (Belarussian Extraleague) -> Financial Woes
- Gazovik Tyumen - Tyumen, Russia (Russian Major League) -> Needs Arena
- Keramin Minsk - Minsk, Belarus (Belarussian Extraleague)
- Yunost Minsk - Minsk, Belarus (Belarussian Extraleague)
- HK Homiel - Homiel, Belarus(Belarussian Extraleague) -> City Transfer
- Kazzinc-Torpedo - Ust-Kamenogorsk (Russian Major League)
- HC Energie Karlovy Vary - Karlovy Vary, Czech Rep (Czech Extraleague) -> Financial
*-> The Toronto Maple Leafs announced yesterday Dion Phaneuf would be the their new team captain moving forward next season. Many are reporting this is a clear sign that the Tomas Kaberle era is now over and will be moved once his trade window opens. The Leafs are reportedly asking for a top six forward and a high draft pick and prospect in return for Kaberle. Many believe the demands are too high and the Leafs may have to settle for 2 of the 3 demands.
*-> While with the Leafs, it's also rumored with Tyler Bozak's affordable salary and steller play this season, the Leafs will atempt to shop Mikael Grabovski as he falls out of their rebuilding plans now with Phil Kessel and Tyler Bozak in the mix. The Leafs are rumored to be looking to add more size up the middle on the back half of the roster.
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