The VHLM underwent contract prior to Season 43 because there was not enough talent for 10 teams to be sufficiently active and effective at retaining their players' activity. After reaching not quite all-time but fairly embarrassing lows in terms of activity during Season 42, last season was a significant improvement, thanks to both contraction and a separate and timely sim, despite the weakness of the upcoming S44 VHL Entry Draft.
The upcoming season looks to be even better. With the S45 draft sending positive signals so far, the opportunity has been there for several teams to stack up on talent, and why not when 75% of the league makes the playoffs? There may, however, be a slight imbalance in favour of North America where any team as it stands would be playoff-worthy as opposed to the defending champions Bern and perennial basement-dwellers Moscow. Bratislava, boasting one goalie (the 0 TPE Lenny Face), is a bit of a stretch to consider as part of the 6 decent teams, especially if they lose all of Reencarnacion, Clardy, and Dupont to graduation, but should fare well enough to finish behind the conference favourite in Oslo.
Perhaps they'll manage to pick up some pieces if any North American team falls off the pace. Odds are it will be the youthful Brampton but never discount the power of first-gen activity and potential waiver pick-ups. With no contender flawless, should be an intriguing race.