NHL is NOT Considering In-Season Tournament; International Play Likely

The NHL will not look to add an in-season tournament like the NBA has earlier this month. NBA commissioner Adam Silver unveiled the NBA’s European Cup-style competition which is set to debut this coming season. Financial prizes are available alongside the NBA Cup to the tournament winner.

NHL deputy commissioner Bill Daly stated that the NHL is giving no consideration to the possibility of introducing in-season tournaments. This isn’t a shock as the NHL already runs an 82-game season, which to most fans is already long and drawn out enough.

Conflicting the NHL’s deputy commissioner is the NHL Players’ Association executive director Marty Walsh who says there is openness about the idea but no discussions among the players yet. Walsh also mentioned that you never know what the next million-dollar idea is, expressing that he wants the players to run ideas by him no matter what, even if they’re a bit far-fetched.

Walsh also mentioned that the length of the NHL regular season would be a consideration in any discussion about an in-season tournament. However, Walsh’s comments took a turn, mentioning that rather than having an in-season tournament, Walsh said the players are more focused on international hockey play during the regular season. This includes the World Cup of Hockey in 2025 and the Winter Olympics in 2026. This would be a nice fresh breath of air for hockey fans to see the best players from each country face off in the Olympics again. The NHL has restricted players from representing their countries in Olympic hockey after the 2014 Sochi Games.

Samberg's Contract, Jets Outlook, Moose Watch, and Bombers Trouble (01) – Jacko Media

In this week's episode of the Jacko Media Show, Conrad Jack breaks down the developments around Dylan Samberg's arbitration filing and what it means for the Winnipeg Jets as they prepare for the 2025-26 season. What does Samberg’s contract battle tell us about the team’s direction? And how does it impact Winnipeg’s defensive depth?We also take a broader look at the Jets' offseason moves and what storylines are already brewing ahead of puck drop. From player development to potential breakout stars, Conrad gives his take on where the team stands now and what fans should watch for come training camp.Shifting gears to the AHL, the spotlight turns briefly to the Manitoba Moose as we look at their early storylines and how they fit into the larger hockey picture in Winnipeg. What can we expect from the Moose this year, and how will their younger core contribute to the Jets pipeline?Finally, the focus briefly turns to the CFL’s Winnipeg Blue Bombers. Have they reached the beginning of the end of their dominant run? After a rocky stretch, questions are swirling about depth, age, and whether the team can still contend. Conrad shares his thoughts on what’s gone wrong and whether there’s time to right the ship.