KHL 2026-27 Season Preview & Predictions
Lokomotiv Yaroslavl have become the standard in the KHL.
After defeating Ak Bars Kazan 4-2 in the 2026 Gagarin Cup Final, Lokomotiv enter the new season as back-to-back champions with the opportunity to turn an outstanding run into a genuine dynasty.
But the competition around them is getting stronger.
Avangard Omsk are positioned among the leading challengers, Ak Bars have the experience of last season's Final and traditional heavyweights including CSKA Moscow, Metallurg Magnitogorsk and SKA St Petersburg remain firmly in the title conversation.
The offseason has also brought an influx of talent back from North America, adding another layer to what should be a competitive 2026-27 campaign.
KHL Gagarin Cup Odds
Odds published when released.
The Defending Champions
Lokomotiv have already achieved something difficult: following one championship with another.
The Railwaymen's 4-2 Final victory over Ak Bars delivered a second consecutive Gagarin Cup, meaning every contender now enters the season trying to knock the same team from the top.
There have been changes. Byron Froese and Richard Panik departed, with Giovanni Fiore arriving after previously playing for Admiral and Avangard. Fiore brings KHL experience and adds a more physical option through the middle.
A three-peat is a different challenge, though. Lokomotiv will carry the target throughout the regular season and every potential playoff opponent already knows the standard required to beat them.
Until somebody does, they remain the team to beat.
The Main Gagarin Cup Contenders
Avangard have one of the strongest cases to end Lokomotiv's run. The arrival of Josh Leivo strengthens the attack, while Yegor Afanasyev returns to Russia after spending last season in North America. The additions give Omsk another opportunity to turn a strong roster into a deep playoff run.
Ak Bars deserve to remain firmly in the conversation after reaching the 2026 Final. Losing 4-2 to Lokomotiv showed both how close they are and how much work remains. They do not require a dramatic transformation to contend again.
Metallurg Magnitogorsk, CSKA and SKA form the next heavyweight group.
CSKA have added Yegor Zamula after six NHL seasons in North America, immediately strengthening the defence. SKA have been active as well, bringing in Swedish winger Linus Weissbach from Frölunda and welcoming Zakhar Bardakov back after his season with Colorado.
SKA's changes make them particularly interesting. Weissbach adds speed and European experience, while Bardakov returns to work under Igor Larionov, who previously coached him at junior international level.
The Teams That Could Rise
Spartak Moscow have made one of the offseason's most intriguing moves by bringing Ivan Fedotov back to the KHL.
Goaltending can completely change a team's ceiling in playoff hockey, and Fedotov arrives with significant KHL and international experience. If he quickly rediscover his best form after a difficult season in North America, Spartak become considerably more dangerous.
Salavat Yulaev have also strengthened their defence with Alexander Alexeyev returning from North America. He already knows the organisation after spending the 2020-21 season in Ufa, reducing some of the uncertainty surrounding the move.
Torpedo are taking a different approach. American defenceman Scooter Brickey arrives after playing NCAA and AHL hockey. At 193cm and 97kg, he adds size to a defence that has lost several players, although the KHL represents a significant step up.