Neftekhimik head coach Igor Grishin has shared his thoughts on the potential return of Yugra and Metallurg Novokuznetsk to the Fonbet KHL Championship.
Grishin, who spent a long time working in the VHL, was asked about the ongoing VHL playoffs. He noted that while the VHL is often unpredictable, this year’s semifinals feature the top four regular-season teams, which is less surprising given the depth of leading clubs. Teams like Metallurg Novokuznetsk have been building for years with high ambitions, and Yugra boasts a very strong, competitive roster that plays disciplined, systematic hockey. Khimik traditionally strengthens with players from Spartak, and Almetyevsk benefits from the Ak Bars system. So, the final four reflect the strongest teams.
When asked whether such dominant VHL clubs should return to the KHL, especially given the league’s shortage of teams, Grishin responded: “It would be great to bring back Khanty-Mansiysk and Novokuznetsk, and even add more teams to expand the championship. Everyone would want that. But at the same time, everyone clearly understands the current economic situation in the country. It would be very difficult to do. If there were such an opportunity, I think no one would hesitate—playing in the KHL is far more interesting. But apparently, the clubs’ financial situations simply don’t allow it. So we make do with what we have.”
