NHL, NHLPA have begun planning for the next World Cup of Hockey

The National Hockey League and its Players Association is in the early stages of planning for the next edition of the World Cup of Hockey, according to TSN's Pierre LeBrun. One change from the last World Cup of Hockey, it is expected to be held in February, rather than September.

"Yeah, plans are afoot. The NHL and the NHLPA had a meeting last week about the next best-on-best events, the World Cup of Hockey could be held in 2024. The two sides plan to meet again next week, they also plan to bring in the IIHF and the country stakeholders in another big meeting in the next couple of months," LeBrun said on Thursday's edition of Insider Trading on TSN.

He added, "But here's the most interesting part by far. The strongest possibility in terms of a window to hold the World Cup in 2024, February of 2024, mid-way through the '23-24 season, which is a complete departure from past World Cups/Canada Cups events. As we know Gino, it's usually held in September, before the season. The NHLPA for years has asked the league to think about having it mid-season. NHL owners won't be super happy about this if it does go through, but the plan right now, the strongest option being discussed is February 2024 for a World Cup of Hockey. And of course, they're still committed to the 2026 Winter Olympics in Italy."

The last World Cup of Hockey was held in September 2016 in Toronto, Ontario and was played with eight teams. Canada, Czechia, Finland, Russia, Sweden, United States as well as Team North America (comprised of U23 players) and Team Europe, which featured players from Germany, Slovakia, Switzerland, France, Denmark, Slovenia, Austria and Norway.

In my opinion, I think the NHL should do away with Team North America and Team Europe. It was great for marketing purposes, but I think they should give two other nations the opportunity to showcase their talent on the big stage. What the NHL and NHLPA should do, is have eight teams again, but go based off of the top eight ranked nations by the International Ice Hockey Federation.

Currently, the top eight IIHF ranked nations are: Canada, Finland, Russia, United States, Germany, Czechia, Sweden, Switzerland.

Source: Insider Trading - TSN

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