The KHL: Threat Or Not?

The Kontinental Hockey League (KHL) is being talked about a great deal as a threat to the National Hockey League.  This conclusion seems to be drawn from only several examples of established players crossing the Atlantic to ply their trade.  This, in my opinion, seems to be far from the truth and a great exaggeration. The KHL was formed in 2008 as a successor to the Russian Superleague.  There really isn't very much difference between these two and yet suddenly the KHL is being deemed a legitimate challenge to the NHL's dominance.  European leagues simply cannot compete with the NHL due to one main issue; money.  The markets aren't big enough and sponsership money is less ,therefore clubs in Sweden, Finland and Czech Republic among others cannot pay players top dollar, and so the quality of hockey isn't as good and therefore sponsorship money isn't big and the vicious circle continues.  I'm not saying the hockey...