NHL rejects NBA-style in-season tournament

If you're not an basketball fan, you may not be familiar with the NBA's newest venture: The NBA Cup.

In short, the NBA Cup is an in-season tournament that will see its debut in the 2023-24 season. In essence, all 30 teams are involved and games for the tournament will count both for tournament seeding and for regular season points. Frankly, it's a confusing format that lends itself more to the complicated league structure of European soccer than it does to North American sports. And for these reasons, the NHL has announced that it's not interested in its own version.

NHL deputy commissioner told ESPN's Greg Wyshynski earlier today that there's "No consideration being given to in-season tournaments."

Meanwhile, NHLPA director Marty Walsh hasn't poo-poo'ed the idea entirely, but isn't endorsing it either.

"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."

Thank goodness...

I think if the NHL went this route then we'd have absolutely no chance at in-season Olympics break ever again.