The Nordic leagues will never be popular enough for their superstars to stay put, or to gain popularity outside of their own country.
The KHL is looking to expand beyond it borders and create a Unified European Hockey League and I believe it would be great.
The best teams around Europe will compete in division 1 of this unified league. There could be division 2 and division 3... or better yet, allow the division 1 teams to keep reserve leagues in their domestic leagues to keep that tradition and league going.
The KHL is only growing stronger. Every year there gaining new owners who are richer each day. Every day, the league is growing popularity and profitably.
Sooner or later the Nordic teams will have no choice but to join the KHLs path. And it be wise. As the KHL is already picking up steam and doing whats right. Building new arenas, stealing NHL players, building reserve teams and minor league affiliates. Soon the young stars will forget the NHL and stay in domestic. At least some of them. Enough for the KHL to become reputable as a top competitive league.
Bringing in Croatias Medvescak was smart. Medvescak joined the Austrian League to leave its limited Croatian and Slovenian leagues. It grew 10x under the new league and it will grow even further in the KHL. In the KHL, the team will have more TV rights, more sponsors, more money and thus better players.
KHL is also targeting teams like Milan. And these smaller teams will love to join the KHL. So they do as told. Rebuild the team, create a reserve squad, gain promotion to your countries top division and show your profit numbers. As it all increases, you can go into the KHL and have more opportunity.