NHL/NHLPA will delay 2024 World Cup for one specific reason
When most hockey fans think of 2016, they may think of Pittsburgh winning the Stanley Cup, or Auston Matthews being drafted 1st overall, or possibly how their favourite team performed in the regular season and playoffs. 2016 was a special year, and not just for the NHL season, but because it was the most recent occurrence of the World Cup of Hockey. The next scheduled World Cup was set for 2024, but Hockey Insider Chris Johnston shared some unfortunate news about that timeline Friday afternoon, in that the NHL and NHLPA have decided to push it back to 2025.
This means that those waiting to see their favourite players represent their country will have to wait a bit longer, which is especially unfortunate for players who are on the older side, such as Sidney Crosby or Alex Ovechkin. Many were wondering and speculating as to the reason for this delay, and Friday evening, Insider Kevin Weekes shared that the biggest factor behind this decision is that the NHL and NHLPA want Russian players to be able to participate.
That would certainly make sense, as you want all of the countries normally in the World Cup to be able to compete for it, but it's still unfortunate that the wait will be a year longer, if it even happens at all. Time will tell if the World Cup of Hockey actually comes to fruition in 2025. It wouldn't be surprising if it didn't, as there have only been three since its creation in 1996, but one thing is for sure: it would be great for hockey fans and players alike.
| POLL | ||
NOVEMBRE 11 | 96 ANSWERS NHL/NHLPA will delay 2024 World Cup for one specific reason Will we get a World Cup of Hockey with Russian participation in 2025? | ||
| Yes | 28 | 29.2 % |
| No | 68 | 70.8 % |
| List of polls | ||
