NHL All-Star Weekend to feature international teams
The league will select eight players per team by fan vote and three more jointly with the players' association. A revised skills competition will include ten players age 25 or younger.
680news.comNHL commissioner Gary Bettman announced the changes during a state-of-the-league address before Game 1 of the Stanley Cup Final on Tuesday. Fans will vote for eight players on each of two international teams. The NHL and NHL Players' Association will jointly name one forward, one defenseman and one goaltender for each roster.
Skills competition format The skills event will feature ten players ages 25 or younger across eight events. Four of the six listed events are mandatory, and the top four advance to a shootout against four All-Star goalies. The top two finishers then compete in an obstacle-course finale for a $1 million prize.
International context NHLPA executive director Marty Walsh said the event serves as preparation for the next World Cup of Hockey. Russian players will take part in the 2027 All-Star Game, though their status for the World Cup remains undecided. The International Ice Hockey Federation has stated it will decide Russia's participation on an event-by-event basis for the 2026-27 season.
Bettman said the league will monitor those decisions.
Additional topics Bettman defended the current wild-card playoff format, saying it produces more competitive series. 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 an NCAA proposal that would allow student-athletes up to five years of eligibility based on age. Bettman said the board of directors has received a briefing on a potential succession plan for the commissioner position.
Transparency
Story details
Related Stories
indianexpress.comOver 400 Agencies Coordinate Security for Record 48-Team World Cup Across 11 U.S. Cities
Andrew Giuliani, executive director of the White House FIFA World Cup 2026 Task Force, said the tournament presents an unprecedented security challenge. More than 400 law enforcement agencies are coordinating with federal officials and private firms.
ESPNPackers, Watson agree to four-year, $110.5 million extension
Green Bay Packers wide receiver Christian Watson agreed to a four-year, $110.5 million contract extension that includes a $31 million signing bonus. The deal follows a similar extension for teammate Jayden Reed and comes after the team parted ways with two other receivers.
France 24Two Italians reach French Open men's semifinals
Matteo Arnaldi advanced after an opponent retired injured. Tenth-seeded Flavio Cobolli defeated Felix Auger-Aliassime in four sets.