The NHL is always telling us that it wants to “Grow the game,” expand its global reach, become a more well-known brand, and dominate hockey in order to make all the money.
The NHL doesn’t give a damn about players who attend the World Championships. If so, they would arrange a time slot either prior to or following the NHL season in collaboration with the IIHF. Instead, they created their own World Cup, fooling people into believing it to be a real competition with a random roster and “Some of Europe” as one of the participating teams.
Unlike every other sports league in the world, they refuse to participate in the Olympics and view the international governing body as an annoyance that gets in their way rather than as a means of promoting hockey. It is the NHL that they want you to like, not hockey.
Regardless of how they promote, administer, and arrange the sport, they ought to genuinely want you to enjoy the game they play.
I think the NHL may become more appealing by taking part in more international competitions. The Buffalo Sabres affiliate, the AHL’s Rochester Americans, were added to the Spengler Cup field of clubs a few years ago. Why not arrange for Nico Hischier and the New Jersey Devils to spend Christmas in Switzerland (along by their families, to make it more bearable)?
That fish, though, isn’t big enough for the NHL. They will aspire to be the greatest. They will then need to defeat the finest.
After a 2008–09 trial run, the Champions Hockey League began holding an in-season competition in 2016. The “Victoria Cup” was originally intended to pit the Champions League victor against a top NHL team, however this concept was shelved after 2009.
Though I believe the notion should be revived, we shouldn’t allow the NHL to enter the league too easily. I say have them earn their way to the final.
The CHL has a helpful video that summarizes their entry and format requirements!
The Champions Hockey League started hosting in-season games in 2016 following a 2008–09 trial run. The original plan for the “Victoria Cup” was to match the winner of the Champions League against a premier NHL team; however, this idea was abandoned after 2009.
We shouldn’t let the NHL join the league too easy, even though I think the idea should be reintroduced. Have them earn a spot in the final, in my opinion.
A useful video summarizing their entry and format requirements is available from the CHL!
As clear as mud, surely?
That wouldn’t work in the NHL, in my opinion, as the current Stanley Cup champion would be chosen. If they want the team to be known before then, they would have to postpone the match drawing until after the Stanley Cup Final, or they could choose to keep it a surprise.
It wouldn’t be too difficult to get the squad to Europe; the NHL currently hosts Global Series games, and the round robin games could be scheduled to finish in one week to reduce travel expenses.
For some of the lesser participating nations, traveling here would require three teams, which may be expensive. The Polish, Danish, and French leagues might not appreciate having to foot the bill for a trip to Las Vegas or Edmonton.
I’m not sure how the league is funded, but the NHL, CHL, and host teams might be able to help. Possibly secure an airline sponsor? These expenses are for the leagues’ marketing, and they undoubtedly employ accountants with the know-how to identify potential tax benefits.
Additionally, there is prize money for every round you complete, which could help defray travel expenses:
NHL clubs can also practice playing under rules in the CHL, which the NHL may take into consideration. Various regulations that they operate under:
Goals on the power play prolong the punishment. a former NHL rule that some want to see reinstated.
If a goal is scored, the delayed penalties are not overturned.
A shorthanded goal terminates the penalty, much like in the PWHL.
I would really like to see this introduced to the NHL schedule. Something novel and thrilling. Something that would genuinely signify more than a fictitious NHL competition involving teams that just play in their own bubble. It would present an opportunity to hear inspiring tales, see new clubs, and get to know fresh talent, future prospects, and NHL veterans. During this season, we would be familiar with the names Stuart Percy, Martins Dzierkals, and Korbinian Holzer—former Leafs players and prospects.
The NHL clubs would play in cities they might not have visited otherwise in the Global Series, which would be a fantastic opportunity to expand the game and provide players in both leagues with some thrilling experiences.
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