The National Hockey League (NHL) is contemplating a significant alteration to its All-Star plans for the 2026 season. This follows the resounding success of the 4 Nations Face-Off, which replaced traditional All-Star festivities with an electrifying international tournament. The idea is now to replicate the same level of competitive energy before players head off to the Milan Olympics in February.
The NHL Commissioner, Gary Bettman, in his concluding remarks at the annual spring meeting of the general managers, highlighted the need to meet the high standards set by the 4 Nations Face-Off. “The bar for an all-star game in any sport has been significantly raised, and we’re keen to ensure we maintain these standards,” Bettman stated.
While the NHL is not known for postponing or cancelling major events, especially due to unforeseen circumstances such as a pandemic, it is open to a change in format. Deputy Commissioner Bill Daly did not rule out the possibility of moving the event at UBS Arena to 2027, stating, “Everything’s on the table.”
For the first time since 2014, NHL players will participate in the Olympic men’s hockey tournament. Interestingly, there was no All-Star Weekend in 2010 or 2006, and the last time the league hosted both was in 2002.
Amidst these discussions, NHL GMs also examined video reviews, particularly coach’s challenges for goaltender interference. However, Bettman clarified that no rule changes are being contemplated for the coming season. He said, “The managers are certainly comfortable, if not more than pleased, with the current state of the game.”
Despite experimenting with a 10-minute 3-on-3 overtime at the 4 Nations, Bettman dismissed the idea of implementing it full time citing concerns over ice conditions and the physical toll on the players.
Added to these updates, Daly confirmed that the 2025-26 season would commence on October 7. Bettman, on the other hand, remained firm on his stance against expanding the Stanley Cup playoffs beyond the current 16-team tournament. He argued that the ongoing races for the regular season were akin to a play-in tournament in themselves.
A significant change is also coming to the draft at the Peacock Theater in Los Angeles on June 27 and 28. For the first time, the draft will be decentralized, allowing team front offices to make picks from their preferred location rather than in person. The decision, which was backed by a 26-6 vote in favor, aligns with the model used by the NFL and NBA.
The NHL is also watching closely as the NCAA ushers in a landmark change in its eligibility rules. The new regulations will permit Canadian junior players to compete at U.S. colleges, provided they are not paid more than necessary expenses. Bettman stated that further discussions between the league and the union are expected regarding the implications of this shift on the draft, entry-level contracts, and other aspects.