The North American – European rivalries in hockey are well noted, and they’re often some of the most fun games to watch in international competitions.

That makes the prospect of a Stanley Cup champs vs. KHL Gagarin Cup champs game — which could air on NBC and happen in the not-so-distant future — seem like the most appealing suggestion all off-season.

KHL prez told Sport-Express the idea of games between #GagarinCup and #StanleyCup champions is there and it's being discussed with the NBC — Igor Eronko (@IgorEronko) September 7, 2015

It seems like this would pit big fish vs. small fish, icing a team of the best hockey players in the world against a team that may be good in the KHL (but not good enough to be NHL calibre) — but there’s a lot to like about this as a potential attraction for both parties involved.

It’s likely that a competition like this would be well-suited for international ice, which gives the KHL the opportunity to host an NHL team in a well watched, highly advertised game. That’s a source of financial in-flow for the KHL no matter how you look at it, something that the league has been desperately trying to make happen for seasons now. It also gives the KHL home ice advantage — and the opportunity to play on a rink that they’re better suited for — making the game seem a bit more even-keeled.

What it also does, though, is gives the KHL more international exposure.

As it becomes easier for fans to watch international hockey, die-hard hockey fanatics have gotten into watching European hockey in hopes of catching glimpses of the next North American superstars. The game is a bit more fast-paced and open, which some find appealing enough to sacrifice their time and watch at all kinds of odd hours — but not enough growth is happening to keep the majority of Russia’s young talent on home ice long enough to keep the league looking (and sounding) competitive. Even with the formation of the MHL in recent seasons, junior hockey talent is heading for the CHL, USHL, and NCAA faster than the KHL would like — and it’s hurting them financially to have the best and brightest skaters leaving the country to play elsewhere. It would give Russian prospects the hope that they’d play for the team that got a chance to face off against the best team in the NHL each year, hopefully keeping some talent at home for a few extra seasons.

By playing the Stanley Cup champions in a game against the Gagarin Cup champions, though, there’s more benefit — even casual hockey fans will get the opportunity to watch a KHL team play — and that may be a step towards stability for the Russian league.

It’s still just an idea that’s being tossed around, but it’s worth pursuing — if the KHL is serious about seeing their finances turn the corner, something like this will likely have to be implemented to make it possible.