Big changes coming to the 2024 World Cup of Hockey

However, the NHL shared that the two most popular teams from the last tournament won't be returning in 2024, as Team North America and Team Europe will not be a part of the next World Cup.

Both teams won't be able to compete with the tournament reverting back to an eight-country format.

It was announced Tuesday by NHL Deputy Commissioner Bill Daly, and reported by TSN's Pierre LeBrun.

It comes as unfortunate news as the highlight of the tournament in 2016 was the North American roster, which included the likes of Connor McDavid, Nathan MacKinnon, and Auston Matthews.

North America ended the tournament in fifth place, but they didn't go down without their share of excitement. Especially in their overtime win over Team Sweden:

Team Europe was made up of several countries, which included a star-studded cast of players like Leon Draisaitl (Germany), Anze Kopitar (Slovenia), and Roman Josi (Switzerland).

Europe's unexpected run was ended in the best-of-three final, when they lost in a two-game sweep to Team Canada.

Team USA won the first installment back in 1996, with Team Canada winning the last two in 2004 and 2016.