TORONTO – To many observers, the NHL season is going to be all about seeing how quickly Connor McDavid and Jack Eichel can reverse the fortunes of their struggling franchises in Edmonton and Buffalo. But it will also be a season-long scouting mission for hockey executives watching the league’s two newest marquee names, other young players and some old reliables – all with a eye on next September.
A year from now, the league and the Players Association will join with the International Ice Hockey Federation in staging a World Cup tournament for the first time since 2004.