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KHL shifts teams: three added, two leave

Lev Praha v Metallurg Magnitogorsk 2014 KHL Gagarin Cup Finals

PRAGUE, CZECH REPUBLIC - APRIL 22: Goalkeper Petri Vehanen of Lev Praha makes a save against Tim Brent of Metallurg Magnitogorsk during the Kontinental League Gagarin Cup 3rd final match between Lev Praha and Metallurg Magnitogorsk at the O2 Arena on April 22, 2014 in Prague, Czech Republic. (Photo by isifa/MAFRA/Michal Sula)

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The IIHF passes along word that the KHL is likely to add three teams while losing two for the 2014-15 season.

Incoming: Two new Russian teams (HC Sochi and Lada) plus Finnish team Jokerit.

The two Russian teams just had their expansion draft, according to the KHL. Meanwhile, Jokerit GM and former Edmonton Oilers great Jari Kurri visited KHL headquarters on June 11.

One can assume that the 2014 Winter Olympics had a huge impact on Sochi adding a KHL team.

Outgoing for sure: HC Donbass will miss at least the 2014-15 season.

Almost certainly leaving as well: Spartak Moscow appears to be in dire financial straits. The IIHF passes along quotes about the team’s roster departing while representatives consider it “95 percent” certain that they won’t participate in the KHL’s next season.

So, long story short, it sounds like the KHL will have one more team next season.

Follow James O’Brien @cyclelikesedins