NHL not considering NBA-style in-season tournament

Adopting an in-season tournament isn't currently on the NHL's to-do list.

The NBA recently unveiled its plans for a European-style competition for its upcoming 2023-24 campaign. It will include all 30 teams and count in the standings until the championship game. The winners will be rewarded the NBA Cup, and players on the prevailing squad will receive $500,000.

"No consideration being given to in-season tournaments," deputy commissioner Bill Daly told ESPN's Greg Wyshynski.

Marty Walsh, executive director of the NHL Players Association, said there hasn't been any discussions about tournaments among players to this point, but he isn't necessarily against the idea.

"I think it's worth looking at anything that's out there," Walsh said. "I tell players all the time, even if you have an idea that you think is kind of off the wall a little bit, just run it by me. You never know what turns into a brilliant idea."

Last December, the NHL reportedly discussed expanding the regular-season schedule from 82 to 84 games while shortening training camp and the preseason. Commissioner Gary Bettman has also repeatedly voiced his disinterest in altering the NHL's 16-team playoff format despite other North American leagues expanding their respective postseason fields in recent years.

Copyright (C) 2023 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.