The IIHF is looking to host a mini tournament between 3 European teams and an NHL team. According to this post on the TSN.ca Web site, the Montreal Canadiens are the IIHFs team of choice.
While it would be awesome to see, I'm not sure the result would be what we would want. You see, the Habs kinda suck. We're not talking an exciting team like Pittsburgh, or an all around talented team like Anaheim. We're talking about a team that is average in every way.
The NHL has a reputation of being the best hockey league in the world. And the Canadiens are the most storied franchise within that league. Now imagine what happens when the Habs go to Europe and get pounded... Ouch... That's like getting beat by your little sister.
On the other hand, it does seem like good publicity and an all-around good time. Fun is to be had by all! But that's not what a tournament is all about.
Personally I think that there should be a sort of "World Series." That after the Stanley Cup is won, the winner goes to Europe to play their champion. Now that would be exciting! Logistically it is impossible, of course.
In order to have a World Series, the Stanley Cup team needs to remain intact. This is not something that can happen unless the Series takes place before July 1st. Even if it does, it means that the GM of the Stanley Cup team has less time to manage his resources than other teams. So the solution is to make sure the NHL playoffs finish sooner. To do that, it means either condensing the season (same # of games, just more frequently), starting the season earlier or shortening the season. All these options affect the owner's bottom line, so those are out.
That's really too bad. This would be a fantastic way to bring excitement to a game that so desperately needs it. Perhaps the solution is an exhibition game between the European and NHL all-stars?
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