NHL All-Star Weekend to feature international teams in 2027

NHL commissioner Gary Bettman announced the changes during his state of the league address before Game 1 of the Stanley Cup Final on Tuesday. All-Star Weekend will adopt an international format following the success of the 4 Nations Face-Off and the Winter Olympics.

Fans will select eight players from each national roster. The NHL and NHLPA will jointly choose the remaining three roster spots per team, one forward, one defenseman and one goaltender.

Four of the six listed events are mandatory, and the top four players advance to a shootout against four All-Star goalies. The top two players from the shootout will compete in an obstacle course finale for a $1 million prize.

NHLPA executive director Marty Walsh said the All-Star event can serve as a prelude to the World Cup of Hockey. Russian players will compete in the 2027 All-Star Game, though their status for the World Cup remains uncertain. Russian players have been barred from IIHF events since 2022.

The IIHF stated last week it will decide Russia's participation on an event-by-event basis for the 2026-27 season. Bettman said the league will monitor developments and wait for further clarity before determining the World Cup format.

Other announcements Bettman defended the current wild-card playoff format, noting more six- and seven-game series occur under the system. The league also reaffirmed that the Vegas Golden Knights may restrict former coach Bruce Cassidy from interviewing with certain divisional rivals.

The NHL expressed opposition to proposed NCAA eligibility changes that would allow up to five years of eligibility based on age. Bettman confirmed the board of directors has received a briefing on a potential succession plan for the commissioner position.