Before a World Cup decision is made, the NHL and union must decide on participating in the '22 GamesGETTY IMAGES
It appears the NHL "wants to have another World Cup tournament as soon as possible," but the chances of holding it in place of the '21 All-Star Game "have been scrapped," according to Michael Traikos of the TORONTO SUN. NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman said, "It's too big of an event to do in that short of a time frame." But before any World Cup decisions are made, the NHL and the NHLPA "have to decide whether or not to participate" in the '22 Beijing Games. Bettman: "We're all in agreement that bringing back the World Cup would be a good thing and that's something that we're having serious discussions with the Players' Association on. The Olympics is a different issue. ... It's something that's not on the same track as the World Cup." Meanwhile, Traikos notes regarding the NHL All-Star Game, it "sounds like the league is considering a change in the format to reflect the international calendar." One idea is a "Ryder Cup type of format that features a 3-on-3 tournament with players representing their country of origin rather than their division" (TORONTO SUN, 12/11). SPORTSNET.ca's Chris Johnston cited sources as saying that the NHL and NHLPA are "now focused on trying to organize a full-scale World Cup tournament that includes play-ins and a proper leadup" in '24 and '28. The NHL "last staged a World Cup" in September '16 and "originally tried to plan a follow-up" for September '20 (SPORTSNET.ca, 12/10).
