I broke down Canada to each province Alberta, British Columbia, Manitoba, Ontario-Western & Eastern Conference, Quebec, and Saskatchewan, and they can be competitive by themselves. If you break down the countries, USA, Russia, Sweden, Finland, Czech Republic, that equals 12 teams. Allow 2 versions of each team an you have 24 teams to fill a solid league.

Sweden, Finland, Czech Republic and Russia can definitely compete as stand alone countries.  I'm kind of intrigued by the different Canadian provinces.  That Quebec team may be difficult to get under any cap amount!!!

Sotchi is gone, I'm out. best