The Ulet Associated with Gagarin
KHL Season 2025-2026: A Season of Change
The Continental Hockey League (KHL) is gearing up for another exciting season, starting on September 5, with numerous changes in store for several teams. The upcoming season is expected to be challenging in predicting tournament outcomes due to the numerous roster changes.
One team that has yet to translate its regular season stability into something truly valuable is Moscow Dynamo. The offseason saw intense player movement in the KHL, with Moscow Dynamo and teams like Avangard, Spartak, and Avtomobilist making significant moves. Avangard, for instance, has let go of a group of players and brought in a similar number with comparable achievements. Spartak's offseason moves were similar, while Avtomobilist has signed Reid Boucher as a significant acquisition.
CSKA, on the other hand, has undergone a nine-point earthquake. A new management, coach, and a largely revamped team are in place, with new acquisitions such as Daniel Sprong, who once looked like a top-six NHL player, and Igor Nikitin, who coached Lokomotiv, joining the ranks.
Lokomotiv, the only team that reached the final series twice in a row, has retained its core, minus some individual elements, and has a new coach in Bob Hartley. However, they lost to Metallurg in 2024 and won the Gagarin Cup in 2025. Metallurg, in response to key player losses, has acquired Vladimir Tkachev and Sergei Tolchinsky.
The opening match of the season will be between Yaroslavl Lokomotiv and Chelyabinsk Traktor, who were last year's playoff finalists. Traktor has signed Josh Livo and Chris Drieger as replacements for departed players.
The KHL is known for its unique fluidity, with no stable group of powerhouses. Indeed, the last three seasons have seen three different champions. Kazan Ak Bars, who have been somewhat lackluster recently, will be hoping to turn their fortunes around this season.
Moscow Dynamo and Kazan Ak Bars may be the exceptions to the challenges faced by established teams. Despite the changes, these two teams have managed to maintain a degree of stability, which could prove crucial in the unpredictable world of KHL hockey.
The upcoming season promises to be an exciting one, filled with unpredictability, new talent, and the usual high-octane action that the KHL is known for. With the stage set, all eyes will be on the teams as they battle it out for the Gagarin Cup.
