I'm going to agree with salmacis when I say that the World Cup is really nothing more than a marketing tool for the NHL. It would be really nice if the NHL could finish a couple months earlier (or perhaps the World Championships could be played a little later) to allow ALL of the worlds best players to compete. I think that would really give the tournament a lot more credibility in North America anyway. The fact of the matter is the World Cup is the only tournament that can boast all of the worlds best players. What about the Olympics you say? Don't even get me started about NHL players at the Olympics. Weren't the Olympics supposed to be about amateur athletes or something? After seeing multiple images of the new World Cup I still think it's awful. I just not sure a modern type sculpture was really the way to go for a hockey trophy.
The World Cup and its predecessor the Canada Cup, were venues for some of the greatest hockey ever played. Hockey needs a showcase for it's best players, with some time for them to practice together. The IIHF World Championship is never going to be that. I give them credit for trying something different. The world doesn't need another inferior imitation of the Stanley Cup. I think that trophy will look better on video and in person than it does in photos, with the way the plastic will refract light. At least it's an improvement on the last World Cup trophy. That thing was hideous.
I agree - the World Cup is essentially the Canada Cup reprised. Not more than 8 years ago - it was the only showcase for the top NHL talent to play for their countries (outside of the World Championships, but the playoffs are on). Its pedegree is the '72 series and that should lend a little credibility. Though it has certainly lost lustre since Nagano (and hasn't been played for a while).