It's always been a cool feature that EA includes leagues from around the world in the
NHL series. Not only does it make the drafting and franchise process more accurate, but it gives a flavor for the different leagues, teams and players from the entire spectrum of professional hockey. Scouting in a franchise mode is properly realized since you can focus on various positions that are a strength of specific leagues. Rosters are also more complete, since some international players split their time between leagues in their home country and in the NHL — sometimes in the same season. Having all of these players means a better overall product.
To this end, it was a welcome addition when EA had the Russian Super League as a part of the
NHL 09 product. It allowed for much more accurate rosters, and it was possible to track former NHL players who were looking for work across the pond. The RSL was a popular haven for journeyman NHL players and random pros, plus it was a meaningful talent pool for emerging stars several years back.
Read More - Will the KHL Ever Come to the NHL Series?