The NHL is giving its 2027 All-Star Weekend a global twist, transforming the midseason classic into an international showcase. Scheduled for February 5–6 at UBS Arena in Elmont, New York, the event will feature five teams: Canada, Finland, Sweden, the United States, and a 'World' team made up of players from countries outside those four, including Russia. The format mirrors the successful 4 Nations Face-Off, with 3-on-3, round-robin play and a $2 million prize for the winning team. Each squad will have nine skaters and two goalies, and fans will vote for eight players per team, with the NHL and NHLPA selecting the final three.

The move follows the league’s decision to skip the 2026 All-Star Game in favor of an Olympic commitment, which was later canceled due to travel concerns. The 2027 event also includes a reimagined Skills Competition focused on players 25 and under, with a $1 million prize. While Russian players are permitted in this event, their status in future IIHF-sanctioned tournaments remains unclear, with political sensitivities still affecting international hockey.

NHL leadership sees this All-Star format as a potential prelude to a revived World Cup of Hockey in 2028. However, some European nations have signaled they may boycott if Russia is included. The league is monitoring developments closely, with Deputy Commissioner Bill Daly noting that current signals from Sweden, Finland, and Czechia suggest no immediate boycott threat. Still, final decisions on Russian participation in international events remain pending.